Watch: Yaroslav Askarov Puts On Goaltending Clinic Vs. Chicago Wolves

Yaroslav Askarov was labeled as “the next Carey Price” when the Nashville Predators drafted him 11th overall in 2020, and saves like the ones he made Thursday afternoon against the Chicago Wolves are the reason why.

With a little over seven minutes to go in the first period, Askarov, who was named an AHL All-Star last month, left his crease and made a diving poke-check between the circles on Wolves forward Ryan Wagner, who had separated from every Milwaukee Admirals skater and had a clear, uncontested breakaway attempt.

As the puck bounced toward the boards, Wagner hit the brakes, spun around and fired a rebound toward the open net. But Askarov sprung back to his feet, slid back to the crease and made a glove save on Wagner’s follow-up shot, preserving a 1-0 Admirals lead.

today's heart attack brought to you by Asky 😳

"he's a human circus!" –@aaronadmirals #MILhockey pic.twitter.com/SbzgQ8x2eX

— Milwaukee Admirals (@mkeadmirals) February 22, 2024

As impressive as his first-period acrobatics were, his diving glove save in the second period may have been even more remarkable.

As former Predator Rocco Grimaldi skated into the offensive zone, he tried to execute a give-and-go with fellow forward Maxime Comtois. Grimaldi fired a shot from the left face-off dot, but his attempt was staved off as Askarov pushed off the ice with his left leg, dove to his right and swatted the puck out of the air before it crossed over the line.

The 21-year-old Russian, again, preserved a 1-0 Admirals lead.

YAROSLAV ASKAROV HIGHWAY ROBBERY🛑🤯@mkeadmirals | #MILvsCHI pic.twitter.com/tR9MZMcn24

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) February 22, 2024

At time of publication, Askarov had saved all 25 shots he faced and the Admirals held a 2-0 lead. If Milwaukee holds onto to win, it would mark their 18th in a row, giving them sole possession of the second-longest win streak in AHL history.

If Askarov, who has been red-hot since switching his goalie pads from black to white, can keep the Wolves off the scoresheet, it would also mark his fifth shutout of the season. His previous four all came after the New Year.

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