Predators prospect Yaroslav Askarov uses unconventional methods to earn shootout win

It is never a dull moment watching Yaroslav Askarov between the pipes.

The Nashville Predators prospect put on a show in AHL action Wednesday night as the Milwaukee Admirals went the distance against the Toronto Marlies in a 2-1 shootout win.

Askarov made 32 saves during regulation but it was the shootout that brought out the unconventional style of the 20-year-old as he stopped all three attempts.

Up first was Marlies captain Logan Shaw who came in with some speed but wasn’t able to get off a shot as Askarov decided to make an aggressive poke check. It appeared to catch Shaw off guard as he had a few words for Askarov after he crashed into the boards.

With both teams unable to score in the first two rounds of the shootout, Askarov had to make a save on Nick Abruzzese to give his team a chance to win it.

The Admirals goaltender made the initial save with his blocker but as he started to move to his left, he had to make a last-ditch effort to keep the puck from crossing the goal line with his stick.

Zach Sanford would go on to score the winner as Askarov would improve to 5-2 in the shootout this season.

The Russian goaltender has made headlines this season for his exuberant celebrations including one where he decided to bench-press the net after recording a game-winning save in the shootout.

In 41 games in the AHL this season, Askarov is 22-13-4 with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. The Predators’ first-round pick from the 2020 NHL Draft made his NHL debut on Jan. 12 making 31 saves in a 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

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