BU head coach Jay Pandolfo sees similarities between Mikhail Yegorov & Martin Brodeur

The 4 Nations Face-Off is set to conclude in Boston, and there's been a lot of fanfare surrounding the event. However, just four miles away from TD Garden, a New Jersey Devils prospect has also been generating a lot of attention. Mikhail Yegorov, who was selected 49th overall by the Devils in last year's NHL Draft, has been a good fit for the Boston University Terriers. Before stepping foot on campus, Yegorov had a lot of momentum on his side. He was playing on a lackluster Omaha Lancers team that was struggling mightily.

In a rivalry game against the Lincoln Stars, Yegorov made 66 saves, a franchise record for the Lancers. However, his achievement was overshadowed by the fact that the Lancers still lost the game 4-1. Ever since joining Devils legend Jay Pandolfo's team, Yegorov has made the most of his opportunity.

Going from a bottom-tier USHL team to a highly ranked NCAA team has done wonders for him. In seven games played, Yegorov has posted a 4-3 record, 1.67 GAA, and a .944 SV%. He recorded his first collegiate shutout on Saturday against #7 Providence. It was a good bounce-back game after allowing four goals and being pulled during Friday's game. Going into the draft, Yegorov was the highest-ranked goalie in North America, and he's been living up to the expectations so far.

Comparisons to Martin Brodeur?

Lancers play-by-play announcer Frank Zawrazky compared Yegorov to legendary Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur. That is a huge statement because Brodeur is arguably one of the greatest goalies of all time.

He's a four-time Vezina Trophy winner, appeared in multiple all-star games, and hoisted three Stanley Cups with the Devils. He's also the all-time leader in wins, shutouts, and games played. Aside from being the head coach for the Terriers, Pandolfo is also a former Devil who won two Stanley Cups with Brodeur. Pucks and Pitchforks asked him about the comparisons and Pandolfo said that he saw some similarities.

"I think they play different styles. Yegorov is a little bit taller than what Marty was. In their demeanor, composure, and calmness in the net, I see some similarities there. Being humble, caring about their teammates, and taking responsibility is something that Yegorov does as well. Marty was the same way. They both think they should stop every puck. It's been great having him in a short time here. We don't want to get him out of here too quickly. We're trying to get him seasoned. So when it is time for him to move on, he's ready."

Jay Pandolfo Terriers head coach

Pucks and Pitchforks also caught up with Yegorov postgame after his shutout against Providence. He was in good spirits and explained the smooth transition from the USHL to the Big East. He also gave a lot of credit to the Terriers' goaltending coach Brian Daccord. His son Joey currently plays for the Seattle Kraken.

"It's been great. The team has helped me a lot. I am just happy that I am getting into games and trying to get as much experience as I can...It's been an adjustment. [I am] getting used to the speed, hard shots, and playing against more skilled players, but it's been great. Practicing against those guys every day has obviously helped. I've been enjoying it...[Brian] has done an amazing job. He does a lot of analytics behind the game like from an expected goals standpoint and grading different shots. On the ice, we skate a lot, work on competitiveness, and simple technical aspects."

Mikhail Yegorov Devils prospect

It shouldn't be a surprise if Yegorov becomes an elite goalie at the NHL level. There are a lot of great Russian goaltenders including Andrei Vasilevskiy, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Igor Shesterkin. Obviously, Yegorov hopes to follow in their footsteps. But it seems like Pandolfo and his staff are guiding him in the right direction.