GOTTA SEE IT: Askarov Almost Sets Sharks’ Saves Record

EDMONTON, Alberta — Yaroslav Askarov almost set a San Jose Sharks record. The Sharks are both happy and unhappy that he didn’t.

In the second period of their Saturday afternoon tilt with the Edmonton Oilers, Askarov fended off 23 shots to preserve the San Jose Sharks’ 2-1 lead.

Those 23 saves in a period are the second-most in franchise history, trailing only Wade Flaherty’s 24 in the third period, set on Mar. 5, 1996 at the Colorado Avalanche.

Here’s just a selection of Askarov’s highlights:

This Askarov robbery was so sexy, even the ref had to throw him a compliment. 😂#TheFutureIsTeal pic.twitter.com/tg4p3AIKOK

— SnipeCity420  (@SnipeCity420) December 21, 2024

Asky denies McDavid 😤

pic.twitter.com/Gb0z63E68O

— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) December 21, 2024

For SJHN’s money, this was his most jaw-dropping sequence, it’s about how quick and big he makes himself going side to side.

Of course, the San Jose Sharks don’t want to force their goalie to make 23 stops in a period, but thank goodness that he did.

Askarov, in just his third appearance with the Sharks, is living up to his billing as arguably the top goaltending prospect in the world.

The San Jose Sharks acquired Askarov from the Nashville Predators over the summer, in an exchange that featured top prospect David Edstrom and the Vegas Golden Knights’ 2025 first-round pick going to Music City.

If Askarov’s second period heroics are any indication, the Sharks are going to be plenty happy about this trade for a long time.

The San Jose Sharks, however, couldn’t hold on for the victory, dropping a 3-2 OT decision.