OTTAWA — Did Yaroslav Askarov just make the save of the year?
The San Jose Sharks were up 4-1, late in the second period, but the Ottawa Senators were buzzing on the power play. The Sharks PK was scrambling, and Tim Stutzle hit Drake Batherson with a perfect cross-slot pass. Askarov looked like he was squared up for a Stutzle shot, but no matter.
Askarov flashes the leather and takes one away 🤯 pic.twitter.com/VW8Jgm0g78
— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) October 23, 2026
Tonight could be the beginning of an Askarov redemption arc? Askarov was hailed as a savior when the San Jose Sharks traded top prospect David Edstrom and a 2024 first-round pick to the Nashville Predators for the 2020 No. 11 pick in the summer of 2024.
But, and keeping in mind that Askarov is just 24, it’s been an up-and-down road for the young goalie to being the No. 1 goalie for the San Jose Sharks. He’s struggled at times to start this season, veteran Alex Nedeljkovic providing more consistent play than him.
But maybe robbing Batherson will begin to change the narrative? Askarov has been excellent so far tonight against the talented Sens, turning away 25-of-26 shots through two periods.
Related Headlines