This will actually be Yaroslav Askarov\u2019s second game against Russian legend Alex Ovechkin.<\/p>\n
The star San Jose Sharks rookie said Ovechkin was the NHL player that he was most excited to face coming into the league.<\/p>\n
But Askarov\u2019s first game against Ovechkin was a happy memory.<\/p>\n
On Dec. 30, 2023, Askarov netted the first NHL win of his career in his third appearance, a 3-1 Nashville Predators\u2019 victory over the Caps.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe and [Evgeni Kuznetsov] were playing, and it was so nice to beat them,\u201d he recalled.<\/p>\n
This time though, Askarov is just focused on the W.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was super-excited,\u201d the 23-year-old admitted. \u201cNow, it\u2019s more like keep focused on [getting] two points.\u201d<\/p>\n
San Jose Sharks (13-11-3)<\/p>\n
Askarov will start.<\/p>\n
Alex Wennberg, who missed practice on Tuesday, is probable for Wednesday night. He participated in an optional morning skate today.<\/p>\n
Iorio, claimed off waivers from the Washington Capitals in October, will slide in for Shakir Mukhamadullin.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s gonna be a lot of fun. I\u2019ve had a lot of really good memories there in Hershey last three years, and with Washington too,\u201d the two-time Calder Cup winner said. \u201cSee some familiar faces, for sure. Just gonna treat it like another game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Warsofsky also said that Zack Ostapchuk is dealing with a minor lower-body injury: \u201cHe\u2019s a little nicked up, so he didn\u2019t play last game, probably available tonight, but keeping an eye on it.\u201d<\/p>\n
If Wennberg can\u2019t play, it sounds like Ostapchuk would come in.<\/p>\n
Jeff Skinner, who hasn\u2019t played since Nov. 13, has practiced with the Sharks for the last two days, but he\u2019s not an option tonight: \u201cWe wanted to give Skinner another day here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Washington Capitals (16-9-2)<\/p>\n
Head coach Spencer Carbery will speak about two hours before the game.<\/p>\n
This is how the Caps lined up yesterday in a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.<\/p>\n
Lineys! #CapsKings<\/a> | @JackDaniels_US<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/bPqtT9Q0Ms<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Where To Watch<\/p>\n Puck drop between the San Jose Sharks and Washington Capitals is at 7 PM PT at SAP Center. Watch it live on NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t