Shark Tank Returns: Chernyshov’s Focus and Askarov’s Edge Explained
The atmosphere at SAP Center and Sharks Ice has noticeably improved this season. Players and staff say the building feels energized again.
Home Finale and Playoff Stakes
San Jose hosts a regular-season home finale with momentum building. The team sits four points behind the final Western Conference wild-card spot.
The Los Angeles Kings hold that position. Four games remain for San Jose, with no extra games in hand. Three teams stand between the Sharks and that last playoff berth.
Roster, Lines and Goaltending
The Sharks entered the game with a 37-34-7 record. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky named Yaroslav Askarov the starter.
Veteran Alex Nedeljkovic has outplayed Askarov since November. Still, the coaching staff views Askarov as the franchise goaltender going forward.
Recent Changes and Returns
Igor Chernyshov and Adam Gaudette were slotted back into the lineup. William Eklund, the Sharks’ 2021 seventh overall pick, remains a regular presence from the earlier prospect pool.
Macklin Celebrini and Alex Wennberg did not skate in the morning session. The team expects both to play despite not participating in the skate.
Chernyshov’s Development
Warsofsky explained Chernyshov was scratched previously for lapses in detail. The organization still ranks him as a high-upside, 20-year-old power winger.
The staff outlined an offseason plan centered on conditioning and off-puck details. The goal is to prepare him to play top-six minutes, potentially alongside #71.
Preview features and analysis pieces include Shark Tank Returns: Chernyshov’s Focus and Askarov’s Edge Explained. Those pieces examine conditioning, tactical details, and the goalie’s evolving role.
Miscellaneous Notes
A tweet from reporter Sheng Peng on April 11, 2026 suggested that players Mattias Janmark, Denis Malgin, Luke Kunin, and John Leonard might sit. Other roster names mentioned that could be scratched included Dellandrea, Kurashev, Regenda and Klingberg.
Vancouver Canucks Projection and Updates
The Canucks’ projected forward groups for the matchup were released publicly. The listed lines include top trios featuring Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser.
- Drew O’Connor — Elias Pettersson — Jake DeBrusk
- Liam Öhgren — Marco Rossi — Brock Boeser
- Max Sasson — Teddy Blueger — Linus Karlsson
- Curtis Douglas — Aatu Raty — Nils Höglander
Defensive pairings and extras were also noted in the projection. Kevin Lankinen was listed as Vancouver’s starting goalie for the night.
Brock Boeser received a nomination for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. Broadcaster Scott Oake was marking his final night on Hockey Night in Canada and After Hours.
Broadcast and Game Information
Puck drop at SAP Center was scheduled for 7:00 PM PT. NBC Sports California carried the local television broadcast.
Radio coverage was available on the Sharks Audio Network. For live updates and postgame coverage, Filmogaz.com provided additional reporting.
