NEW YORK – Yaroslav Askarov will start in goal for the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday against fellow countryman Ilya Sorokin.
Sorokin has been the New York Islanders No. 1 goalie since the 2021 season. His talent alone makes him one of the best in the league. But for Askarov, he’s just excited to finally go against him.
“I’ve never met him personally but i’ve heard about him for sure,” Askarov exclusivly told SHD on Monday. “He’s a pretty smart goalie. He has really good habits, like, really good hands, movement, and tracking.”
In 257 games, Sorokin has a career save percentage of .916. The Islanders goalie is in year two of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $8.25 million.
Askarov expanded on what being a smart goalie means.
“He’s making really good plays. This means he’s reading [the play] so well,” said the Sharks goalie. “It depends which exercise we have. Sometimes it’s so hard to do because, we have different exercises on the edge. [In] some drills you can practice this.”
With a full-time spot on the San Jose Sharks roster secured, Askarov is looking forward to facing other top Russian goalies around the NHL.
“It’s always fun to watch, and it’s gonna be fun to play, for sure,” Askarov said. “Something new. Never had it before. That’s good stuff.”
With no Russian team allowed to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics, there is no chance for Sorokin or other top Russian goalies, I.e Igor Shesterkin & Andrei Vasilevskiy, to play.
The Sharks goalie still gave his pick on who he would want to be the starting goalie besides himself.
“Shesty. He just goes.”
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