Thu Dec 04 05:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and rewritten article:

Summary:

Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov has rebounded from a rough start to the season, becoming a key reason for the team’s recent surge in the standings. His improved mental approach and stellar play this month, including a strong performance against the high-powered Colorado Avalanche, have boosted his confidence and helped the Sharks rejoin the playoff race. Despite his success, the team needs to improve defensively to support Askarov and fellow goalie Alex Nedeljkovic. They face a tough challenge against the league-leading Avalanche, but the Sharks are embracing the opportunity to prove themselves. Winger Tyler Toffoli is questionable for the game due to illness.

News Article:

Askarov’s Hot Streak Fuels Sharks’ Playoff Push; Toffoli Questionable for Avalanche Rematch

DENVER – San Jose Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov has emerged as a driving force behind the team’s resurgence, putting up stellar numbers this month after a shaky start to the season. Following a tough outing in late October, Askarov refocused, a key moment being his 36-save performance in a 3-2 overtime win against the Colorado Avalanche on November 1st. That performance kicked started a run of success for the young netminder.

Since that game, Askarov boasts a 7-1-0 record in November with a .959 save percentage, ranking second in the NHL among goalies with at least five starts. His improved play has been instrumental in the Sharks’ 8-3-1 run this month, a stark contrast to their earlier struggles.

“He’s definitely a confident goaltender right now,” said Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky.

Askarov attributes his turnaround to a renewed focus on his mental routine.

“The biggest difference was that at the beginning of the season, I would kind of forget my routine,” Askarov said. “Everybody has some bad days, some good days. Our goal is to — if we have a bad day — try to manage the time and try to finish the bad day as quickly as possible, and try to get back to the good days, and try to keep that long as possible.”

Despite Askarov’s stellar play, the Sharks recognize the need to improve their defensive game to support their goaltenders. San Jose has allowed an average of 33.25 shots against in Askarov’s eight games this month.

Tonight, the Sharks face a tough test against the league-leading Avalanche, who are on a nine-game winning streak since their loss to San Jose.

“It’s going to be a great challenge for us, because they have a really good record,” Askarov said.

Adding to the challenge, winger Tyler Toffoli is questionable for tonight’s game due to illness. If Toffoli is unable to play, the Sharks will likely dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen.

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