San Jose Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic is working to overcome a challenging opening game after a series of mistakes contributed to a 4-3 overtime loss against the Vegas Golden Knights on October 12, 2023. The game featured two critical errors from Nedeljkovic that gained significant attention on social media and within the NHL community.
Upon arriving at the Sharks’ practice facility the following day, Nedeljkovic reflected on the unfortunate events. He misplayed a lob shot that resulted in a third-period goal for Jack Eichel and turned the puck over in overtime, leading to the decisive goal by Reilly Smith. Despite the disappointment, he recognized the importance of moving on swiftly. “By the time Saturday came around, we had a game. Even though you’re not playing, you’ve got to be ready for anything, so you can’t let it linger,” Nedeljkovic said.
As he prepares for the Sharks’ upcoming match against the Carolina Hurricanes, one of his former teams, Nedeljkovic is focusing on the future rather than dwelling on past mistakes. He emphasized the need to let go of negative experiences, stating, “The longer you let those things fester and linger around, the worse it gets. You’re not doing yourself any favors.”
Nedeljkovic often turns to his father for support after games, using their conversations as a means to vent frustrations and receive constructive feedback. “He’s a little biased. He’s always got my back, but at the same time, he tells me how it is, too,” he noted, acknowledging that his father is honest about his performance, especially during tough moments.
Sharks’ head coach Ryan Warsofsky has not confirmed whether Nedeljkovic will start against the Hurricanes, but given his overall performance against Vegas, he stands as a strong contender. The Sharks, still seeking their first win of the season after a 7-6 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks, need a solid performance from their goaltender.
“Whether it’s a good game or a bad game, you just want to play. Just want to get back in the net,” Nedeljkovic said. He aims to avoid pressing too hard to make up for previous errors, instead focusing on preparation and making crucial saves. “You’re not going to change it now. So, get ready for tomorrow and just play.”
Following Thursday’s game, Nedeljkovic had discussions with goalie coach Thomas Speer and Coach Warsofsky about his performance. Warsofsky expressed confidence in Nedeljkovic, saying, “We need him. It is what it is. We’ve got to compete. He knows it. I’ve known him for a long time. He’s a competitive guy. I have absolutely no concerns for him going forward.”
Nedeljkovic holds a record of 5-3-1 with a .918 save percentage in nine career matches against the Hurricanes. Despite this, he remains cautious about his past encounters, recalling his struggles last season when he posted a 0-1-1 record with a .784 save percentage against them. “I didn’t have a great year against them last year. None of that matters anymore,” he said.
As the Sharks gear up for their next game, they also took a break to enjoy a team Halloween party over the weekend, featuring players and their families in various costumes. Players Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini dressed as characters from the film “Dumb and Dumber,” while John Klingberg and his wife opted for a T-Rex and Ellie from “Jurassic Park.” Rookie Michael Misa, who participated in the festivities, shared his experience of dressing as Mary from “Hocus Pocus,” admitting he had to watch the film to prepare for the costume.
As the Sharks look ahead, the team’s cohesion and Nedeljkovic’s resilience will be crucial in turning around their early-season performance.