The San Jose Sharks dominated the LA Kings in nearly every statistical category but fell 4-3 in a game that exposed the growing pains of their young core. Yaroslav Askarov allowed 4 goals on just 14 shots, struggling with his positioning and timing as shooters exploited his tendency to drop into the butterfly too early.
Despite the loss, the Sharks’ offense continues its transformation from league-worst to potentially above-average. The second line of William Eklund, Alexander Wennberg, and Philipp Kurashev dominated possession, while Macklin Celebrini’s superstar trajectory became even clearer with his 10th assist of the season. The Sharks posted a 49-30 advantage in shot attempts at 5-on-5 and controlled the second period with a staggering 30-6 shot attempt margin.
Michael Misa delivered a breakout performance with 8 shots on goal in just 10 minutes of ice time, demonstrating exceptional hockey IQ and earning consideration for increased minutes. His development appears ahead of schedule compared to Will Smith’s timeline last season, suggesting the 18-year-old could soon take over the second-line center role.
John Klingberg’s return disrupted the chemistry of a top-10 power play unit, raising questions about whether Dmitry Orlov should remain as the quarterback. The statistical breakdown reveals a team outplaying opponents but unable to get timely saves, with Darcy Kemper stopping 5.06 expected goals to steal two points for Los Angeles.
Tune in for the complete analysis of why this frustrating loss actually reveals the blueprint of where this young Sharks team is heading.
Timestamps:
0:00 Sharks lose 4-3 to Kings
2:03 Askarov’s rough night costs Sharks
4:06 Breaking down the four goals allowed
6:08 Sharks offense looks extremely good
9:13 Offense improving but defense struggles
13:18 Misa’s hockey IQ and patience
15:20 Misa ready for more minutes
16:53 Klingberg struggles on power play
19:56 Digging into the game numbers
22:01 Dominant second period performance
23:32 Line-by-line breakdown and analysis
28:12 Defensive pairings and final thoughts
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29 Comments
14 shots, 4 goals = not a good night
Kid needs to sit as the backup until he has enough confidence.
2 goals Askarov needs back, 2 where not his fault
You critique Will Smith which is ok. But only praise for Celebrini. He was asleep on the 3rd goal letting his guy do whatever he wanted in front of Askarov, and on the 4th goal he got turned into a fidget spinner by Kempe. Not the complete play he still gets praised for. The offense and points are there, but this isn’t hockey that wins you games.
Agreed, he needs to be better. He was drafted 11th overall. Askarov felt he was ready for a bigger NHL roll. Reports say he told the team he would not report to their AHL affiliate if he stayed and asked for a trade. This kid was 22 years old when he got traded and unproven at the NHL level. I’m glad he acknowledges it and it’s difficult playing behind a San Jose defense but I believe and hope he can bounce back.
Before the season started almost everybody expected better goaltending……..and now this. It becomes more clear why the Preds traded him. This will be a looong season. Shaky goaltending, shaky defense…..recipe for losing. It needs superhero performances from Celebrini that the sharks can even get away with a win. Still no win in regulation.
What happened to Askarov maybe I’m misremembering but he was like no where near this bad last year
why was he even starting again ik hes been doing well, but he was never ready to play every game this was a clear rest day for him… but instead since he's not ready wouldn't shock me if he was fatigued
From a goalie's perspective those were 3 absolute snipes picking corners, and a tip that hit the post off Asky's back and in…missed assignments led to these goals. Wouldn't blame Askarov.
Goal 4 was really the only goal where I thought he should have stopped it
Playoffs don't go by stats. They go by wins and losses. This is hard cope.
Sharks defense isn’t good but Askerov has to be better. Giving up 4+ goals every game isn’t going to cut it. Gotta make some saves that are tough.
I disagree to some extent. Sharks never dominate on defense. I am not impressed with our younger defensive
players or basically our defense gives much space and time for players to shoot on our goalies. and our goalies are be blamed for our defense that gives these quality shots on goal. We have good goalies
our defense sucks and always has. for some reason sharks have always cared about forwards over
large tough defensive players. All the good nhl teams have big skilled defensemen.
"Earn it"
Klingberg on PP1
🤦♂️
I just can't belive in warso's words anymore.
You guys look so much better this year, especially your offense. Tending and D could obviously use some work, but you’ll get there. Should’ve bested us.
We should look for a defensive anchor who can complement Dickinson on the trade route if possible as long as they have team control.
Askarov isn't the guy. Backup at best
That doughty goal was the only brutal one that I’m sure he’d like back
Tough night on everyone but the forwards. Learn from it and move on to the next one.
I'm wondering if our star talent is being told to not sacrafice themselves to block shots.
Shark fans, we have a new Tank Commander🫡 and it’s not JD.
He wont be on the team anyways so it doesnt matter. Theyre not gonna keep him if the rest of the team is developing an hes not especially as a goaltender you dont have a lot of room for error. Sharks have shown they'll get rid of a goaltender quick. Only reason they're working with him is cuz hes so young but hes responsible for atleast minimum 2 losses this year already
JD, love your content. Can you ask Warso what else Misa needs to do to get more ice time? Instead of Klingberg, Misa should’ve been on ice for last power play to tie the game, Klingberg just wasted a bunch of time by soft shooting which got blocked 3 times. Offensive players need to play, not washed out vets who can’t even shoot. What am I missing out that Warso sees in Klingberg?
The last goal was really the back breaker. Went right by his glove
Great podcast, good played game but bad result. I will say "defense is NOT for nerds", just ask the Sharks.
I can’t understand why Warsofsky is dead set on holding the young guys back….
Maybe if Warsofsky had a better defensive scheme we’d give up less goals
As JD said the book is out on Askarov. Shoot high.
high blocker is becoming a recurring problem with askarov.