The San Jose Sharks ended their road trip in an overtime loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Sharks are also returning to San Jose unknown of the situation with their goalies following an unknown injury status. The Sharks staff pulled Vitek Vanecek before the second period started in the game against Pittsburgh. Mackenzie Blackwood was given a five-minute warning before he found himself on the ice.
Vitek Vanecek is questionable to return to tonight’s game.
— San Jose Sharks PR (@SanJoseSharksPR) November 17, 2024
Vanecek allowed two goals during the first period on ten shots on net. He was scored on by Pittsburgh’s players Bryan Rust and Jesse Puljujarvi within the first ten minutes of the first period.
Mackenzie Blackwood Plays Strong and Holds the Penguins at Bay in Relief
Within the first four minutes of the second period, Sidney Crosby scored his 599th goal on Blackwood. This would be the last goal the Penguins would score until the shootout.
Blackwood remained consistent during the second and third periods, only allowing a single goal in. He made 25 saves during the two periods. Essentially, Blackwood played big in preventing Crosby from hitting his 600th goal of his career.
Ryan Warsofsky was happy with Blackwood’s performance. “Outstanding by Blackwood. Outstanding. Had some of the best saves you’ll see in the league, I’m assuming. Kept us in the game, especially there in the third.”
Mackenzie Blackwood keeps this game tied! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/6SM8hGJ376
— NHL (@NHL) November 17, 2024
The San Jose Sharks played like a new team during the second and third periods against the Penguins. Mikael Granlund and Tyler Toffoli scored for the Sharks, bringing the game to a tie. Blackwood had impeccable saves that helped his team remain resilient.
The Sharks and Penguins battled for five minutes in overtime, where Blackwood continued to be a wall in the net. Helping his forwards stay in the game and sending them into the shootout.
Goaltending Remains Strong Amid Losing
Vanecek has played in ten games this season for the Sharks. He has a substandard record of 2-5-1. He has a career SV% of .905. During his last game against the Philadelphia Flyers, he had 43 shots against him with three goals.
Undoubtedly, Vanecek has been a key player for the Sharks. His game against the Columbus Blue Jackets resulted in a 49 saves. It is clear to see the impact that goaltending has had in the Sharks success within their last few games.
Vitek Vanecek Potential Absence Brings Uncertainty for San Jose Sharks Goalies
During the post-game interview, head coach Ryan Warsofsky mentioned that he had no update on Vanecek at that time.
However, with Vanecek’s injury undisclosed it is questionable if he will be ready for Monday’s game. If Vanecek is to remain out, the Sharks will more than likely call up Yaroslav Askarov. Askarov has been the star goalie for the San Jose Barracuda AHL team this season.
Askarov is the First Choice to Fill-In
If Vanecek’s injury lingers, it seems Askarov will get the call-up. In the nine games Askarov has played this season with the Barracuda, he has a .939 SV% and only 17 goals given up. In addition, he has had two shutout games amidst his six wins.
Askarov had been injured during training camp and was sent down to the Barracuda to work on getting healthy. Sending him down has also helped him with working on his development. Askarov was traded to the Sharks in late August by the Nashville Predators.
San Jose faces the Detroit Red Wings on Monday, November 18th. It is likely that the Sharks will be releasing more details on Vanecek’s injury prior to the game. It will then be determined if he will be replaced by Askarov until he is healthy and ready to be back on the ice.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
