Nashville Predators: Too Much of a Good Thing in the Crease?
By Kyle Fleming
Up and coming stars in the crease
Looking at the Nashville Predators prospects, Yaroslav Askarov and Devin Cooley are two names that definitely stick out. Currently playing in the AHL with the Nashville Predators affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, the two goalies are making a name for themselves.
Askarov has played in 26 games for the Admirals this season and has a 14-8-3 record with two shutouts. He is a 20-year-old, 6-foot, 4-inch, 187-pound Russian goaltender that catches with his right hand. With the Admirals, Askarov has a 2.80 GAA and .901 save %.
This has been Askarov’s first season playing in North America, which makes it all the more impressive how quickly he is catching on to a much different style. He also wasn’t used regularly during his time in the KHL and VHL.
The Predators have called upon Askarov once thus far this season on the second half of a back-to-back in which Lankinen was out due to illness.
Related Story. Three Takeaways from Askarov's first NHL Game. light
The Nashville Predators defense did not help Askarov any, forcing the young rookie netminder to face 19 shots on goal in the first period. Askarov answered the call and made 17 saves in that period. Eventually the Predators would lose his debut game though 4-3 against the Montreal Canadiens.
Then there is Cooley. He has played in 16 games with Milwaukee this season and has a 10-6 record posting a 3.04 GAA and .902 save %.
The 25-year-old, 6-foot 5-inch goalie has not seen any time in the NHL yet, however one would believe that as he develops, he will get the nod at some point.