A breakthrough performance by San Jose’s goalie has quieted speculation about the team’s need for a new starter, as he held opponents to fewer than three goals in a game for the first time this season. The 24-year-old, who has struggled with a goals-against average above 3.60 and a save percentage below .870, took a small but significant step forward in addressing concerns over his consistency. The outing may shift the narrative away from trade demands, at least temporarily, as the Sharks evaluate whether further improvement is possible. Fans and analysts will be watching to see if this marks the beginning of a turnaround or just an isolated moment.

For the first time this year, San Jose's Yaroslav Askarov allowed fewer than three goals in a game. That's considered a baby step for a 24-year-old who ranks outside the top-40 with a 3.67 GAA and a .865 save percentage — and it might silence talks that the Sharks need to trade for a goalie.