With the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championships now in the history books, we're getting a bit of an explanation for one of the most talked about things in the tournament. During the semi-final game between Russia and Canada, which Canada won 5-0, goaltender Yaroslav Askarov kept losing his stick. His inability to hold on to the lumber led to a couple of Team Canada goals in an overall disappointing game for the Russians. Now that's he's back home, Askarov is attempting to explain what happened.
"There are two things about losing the stick," Askarov told Russian Reporters. "Canadiens often played very well outside the crease, so when defenders battled for the puck, I would go out trying to try kick it away. Secondly, Canadiens often purposefully blocked my stick, and I just had to let it go in order to move in time."
As for his potential solution, Askarov tried to be relaxed about the whole situation.
"I'm thinking about buying some superglue and putting it on the stick," said the first-round pick of the Nashville Predators. "There would be issues with playing the puck outside of the crease, though. But I'll figure it out somehow. Anyway, that's was not the reason why we lost."
While it may not be the only reason why Team Russia lost in the semis, it certainly didn't help. That said, Russia head coach Igor Larionov defended his young goaltender.
"I never doubted this young guy. He will be a superstar, will move forward, play in Russia, and then in the National Hockey League. I know how hardworking he is," said Larionov,
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Source: Rsport.ru
