San Jose Sharks top goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov is still getting over an illness, but the 22-year-old is ready for the postseason.
Askarov missed the San Jose Barracuda’s final game of the regular season due to illness, but returned to the ice for an optional practice on Tuesday. The top Sharks goalie prospect is viewed as the No. 1 guy for the ‘Cuda and is one of the few players with postseason experience.
“Everybody is excited. Everybody is all ready to go, and it is the best time of the season,” Askarov told SHD exclusively.
Askarov said emotionally that he hasn’t felt any pressure yet because of his illness. The future Sharks No. 1 goalie said he’s still getting over a fever.
Askarov has played in the Calder Cup Playoffs twice before with the Milwaukee Admirals. The netminder struggled during the 2024 playoffs with a .882 save percentage and a 3.25 GAA in five games.
Despite his recent playoff struggle, Barracuda head coach John McCarthy isn’t worried about his goalie.
“I like to preach to him that he left the [Admirals] organization, and he’s with us now. He’s getting a fresh start. That’s the mentality he has to have,” McCarthy said. “He’s a really good goalie. He’s a game changer, especially at this level. Everybody knows what his future holds.”
A short series doesn’t bother the Sharks’ top goalie prospect
Now in the Pacific Division, the San Jose Sharks’ top prospect will experience a best-of-three series for the first time.
“I’ve never actually played a best-of-three. That’s why it’s hard to see how it’s going to be,” Askarov said. “Don’t try to be a hero. You just need to be you. Do your job, that’s my goal.”
Games one and two will be played at Crypto.com Arena. Crypto.com Arena is the Los Angeles Kings’ home building, and Askarov is excited about the potential energy the fans could bring to a bigger building.
Hopefully, there are going to be a lot of fans there. It’s always great when you can feel the atmosphere,” Askarov told SHD. “If it is busy, the crowd means a lot for hockey, because we’re playing for fans. Hopefully, we will see a lot of our fans as well. That’s going to be sick.”
Yaroslav Askarov and other Sharks prospects will play game one against the Ontario Reign on Thursday.
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