BOSTON — The San Jose Sharks could be without a backup goalie against the Boston Bruins as Yaroslav Askarov is dealing with a lower-body injury.
Askarov was not supposed to start Thursday’s game, per Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky. Alex Nedeljkovic was always scheduled to get the start, but Askarov’s injury could prevent him from dressing.
Nedeljkovic starts tonight, which was always the plan. Askarov might not be able to back up as he tweaked something this morning, according to Warsofsky. The #SJSharks think it is minor. It is a lower-body injury.
— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) March 12, 2026
“Asky tweaked something warming up here this morning,” Warsofsky said. “Not sure if he’ll be able to back up yet.”
Warsofsky said he believes the injury is minor, but he is unsure if the San Jose Sharks will need to recall a goalie from the San Jose Barracuda for any part of the road trip.
If Askarov can’t dress for the Sharks, it won’t be the first time an emergency backup goalie was used. Against the Philadelphia Flyers, Justin Kowalkoski was signed to an ATO and served as the backup. The San Jose Sharks also gave the Professional Geologist a rookie solo lap.
Forward Igor Chernyshov was recalled by the Sharks on Thursday. The winger wasn’t in Boston for the morning skate and won’t play on Thursday. According to the Sharks, the team is working on his travel plans, but is expected to meet the team in Boston. After Thursday’s game, the Sharks will fly to Montreal.
Chernyshov has played 15 NHL games this season, scoring three goals and eight assists. The 2024 NHL Draft’s 33rd overall pick had seven points in his first seven career games. He last played in the NHL on Jan. 19 against the Florida Panthers.