In a shootout, Askarov wins his first career game as the Predators defeat the Capitals 3-2.
In order to secure a 3-2 victory for his team and the first of his NHL career, the rookie goalie for the Nashville Predators stopped 25 shots in regulation, two more in his first-ever overtime, and two forwards for the Washington Capitals comrades Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alexander Ovechkin in his first shootout.
It’s fantastic,” Askarov remarked. “After you win, it’s the nicest feeling ever. It’s absurd. Right now, I can’t even say.I need more time to consider it thoroughly.As the year comes to a finish, Nashville ends a three-game losing streak and picks up their 20th victory of the year.
SLIGHT HITS
An Askarov Dub
Naturally, Askarov’s Predators colleagues, who fought for an incredible sixty-five minutes to secure the historic marker for the twenty-one-year-old goalie, also joined in the celebration.
“We had a strong desire for that one,” Roman Josi, the Predators captain, stated. Askarov gave a fantastic performance. That first victory is significant, especially for goalies, and he was really fantastic. We’re thrilled for him because it’s a significant accomplishment.
Luke Evangelista, forward for the Predators and a former teammate of the Milwaukee Admirals, said of the player, “He’s a lot of fun to watch and a lot of fun to be around in the room. It was a great win for him tonight.” “We’re really happy for him because [he stopped] a couple of Russians in the shootout, probably guys he looked up to growing up.”
Askarov, who was born on June 16, 2002, is the youngest goalie to start an NHL game this year and the second-youngest player in Predators history to record a victory in his professional debut.
Weber, Josi Ties
Josi’s first-period power-play goal equaled former teammate and coach Shea Weber for the most goals by a defender in franchise history. It was also his 166th career goal.Josi remarked, “Shea has been such a huge inspiration for me.” “My first captain was him. And Shea taught me virtually everything.
I was able to learn a lot from him as he was an incredible leader. He’s also a really wonderful friend of mine, and I’m grateful for him. Without him, and without everything I’ve learned from him, I wouldn’t be here. It was a blessing for me to have him as a mentor when I first started playing in the NHL. Josi scored his eighth goal of the season and his fourth on the power play with that score as well.
Teenage Guns
On Saturday in Washington, Luke Evangelista opened the scoring with his fifth goal of the year. It was Novak’s eleventh assist, and Fabbro’s sixth. Head coach Andrew Brunette of the Predators, who has yearned for more reliable play from his team’s whole lineup rather than simply its top line, found the early offensive to be encouraging.
He declared, “Tonight was a positive step.” “With them, consistency has been a little bit of a problem. Therefore, perhaps this sets off something. I believe that as the season progresses, it becomes more difficult to find your game in our league. Teams improve. That’s kind of my message to them: there isn’t any space out there. Now is the moment since you won’t be able to find your game if you wait any longer. Thus, tonight was a positive step.
On the Gus, the wheels Continue in this loop
Gustav Nyquist’s point streak reached five games (4g-3a) with an assist on Josi’s first-period power-play goal.
On Tuesday, the Predators play the Chicago Blackhawks in their 2024 home opener.The game is slated to air on Bally Sports South, 102.5 The Game, and El Jefe Radio. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. CT.
NOTES:
- Nashville won its second shootout game of the 2023โ24 season on Saturday; Ryan O’Reilly and Nyquist scored goals for the Predators in both shootouts.
- On Josi’s first period point per game, O’Reilly recorded his 16th assist of the season.
- With five hits, Kiefer Sherwood led the Predators.
- Kevin Lankinen (day-to-day illness), Cody Glass, and Tyson Barrie (upper body) were all pulled from Saturday’s game.