San Jose Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic is enjoying a remarkable five-game winning streak, showcasing an impressive .931 save percentage during this stretch. As the Sharks prepare for their upcoming match against the Calgary Flames on Saturday, Nedeljkovic attributes his success to a focused mental approach and a positive mindset.
“Just trying to have the right attitude, the right mindset,” Nedeljkovic stated last Sunday before the team departed for a five-game road trip. “I feel like I’ve had it at times throughout the year. At times it’s maybe… trying to do too much. So, I think I’m in a good spot right now.” With a record of 10-8-2 and an .899 save percentage this season, Nedeljkovic has certainly found his rhythm.
Sharks Look to Recover from Bitter Loss
The Sharks, currently holding a record of 27 wins, 21 losses, and 4 overtime losses, are hoping to rebound after a disappointing 4-3 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. In that game, starting goalie Yaroslav Askarov made 20 saves through the first two periods, helping the Sharks build an early 3-0 lead. However, the Oilers, led by stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, mounted a comeback, scoring four unanswered goals.
In the third period, the Sharks managed only two shots on goal, failing to maintain their lead. The Oilers’ late-game pressure resulted in goals from McDavid and Evan Bouchard, followed by Zach Hyman’s overtime winner, marking one of the Sharks’ most difficult losses of the season. Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky identified the team’s struggle to perform during critical moments as an area for improvement. “There were moments in the third where we needed to continue to make plays and push forward, and we didn’t do enough of that,” he remarked.
Despite the setback, the Sharks have shown resilience this season, boasting a 19-0-1 record when leading after two periods prior to the loss. Nedeljkovic acknowledged the support from his teammates during this winning streak, stating, “(Guys have been) playing really well in front of me too, so that obviously helps a lot.” As the team approaches the mid-point of the season, they are on the cusp of playoff contention, trailing the Seattle Kraken by just one point for third place in the Pacific Division.
Roster Moves and Injury Updates
On Friday, the Sharks placed defenseman Vincent Iorio on waivers, opening a roster spot for players potentially returning from injured reserve. The team has been operating with 22 players, one short of the maximum allowable roster size, and has three players—forwards Kiefer Sherwood and Philipp Kurashev, along with defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin—currently on injured reserve.
Warsofsky expressed optimism about the return of Mukhamadullin and the potential activation of Sherwood and Kurashev before the end of the team’s road trip. Sherwood, acquired from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this month, participated in an optional practice in Calgary on Friday and will be evaluated on Saturday morning for his readiness to return to the lineup.
Iorio, who was claimed by the Sharks on October 16 after being waived by the Washington Capitals, recorded three assists in 21 games this season and averaged 16:30 minutes of ice time. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound defenseman will be assigned to the Barracuda of the AHL if he goes unclaimed by other teams before the Saturday morning deadline.
Following Saturday’s game against the Flames, the Sharks will continue their five-game road trip with matches against the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday and the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, just before the Olympic break.
