San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini delivered an impressive performance, contributing significantly to his team’s 6-3 victory over the Calgary Flames at SAP Center. Celebrini’s efforts included two assists and a stunning goal, leading the Sharks to their fourth win in five games. The match, attended by an announced crowd of 14,261, showcased Celebrini’s ability to elevate his teammates regardless of the lineup changes.
The evening began with John Klingberg scoring just 62 seconds into the first period, assisted by Celebrini’s no-look backhand pass. Celebrini later helped Barclay Goodrow secure his second goal of the game just seconds before the first intermission, demonstrating his playmaking skills. The highlight of Celebrini’s night came early in the third period when he scored his 17th goal of the season, extending the Sharks’ lead to two goals.
As Collin Graf entered the Flames’ zone, he passed to Celebrini, who executed a quick spin to evade defenseman Kevin Bahl. Although Flames goalie Dustin Wolf initially stopped the shot, it deflected off Celebrini and into the net, marking his 50th point of the season. Celebrini’s milestone places him among an elite group of Sharks players, joining Joe Thornton (2009-10) and Owen Nolan (1999-00) as the only Sharks to reach 50 points before the NHL’s holiday break.
Celebrini’s recent performance has been exceptional, with 10 points accrued in his last five games. His impressive play comes amid challenges for the Sharks, as key players Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev are currently sidelined due to injuries. Kurashev, who has made a notable impact with 15 points in 31 games this season, is considered week-to-week with an upper body injury, while Smith’s recovery timeline remains uncertain.
Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed that Smith will be evaluated by the team’s medical staff on Monday following his own upper body injury incurred during a recent game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Smith had been a vital contributor to the Sharks, tallying 29 points in 33 games prior to his injury. The Sharks’ performance has notably dipped in games where Smith has not scored, finishing with a record of 5-9-1 in those contests.
The Sharks held a narrow 3-2 lead after the first period, with Goodrow netting two goals at the 6:00 and 19:41 marks. His first goal came from a clever setup, as he passed to Ty Dellandrea, who navigated behind the Flames’ net before feeding the puck back to Celebrini. Celebrini’s quick shot created the opportunity for Goodrow to tap in the loose puck for his third goal of the season.
Klingberg’s early goal marked the beginning of a five-game point streak, during which he has accumulated eight points. This performance highlights the Sharks’ potential for a strong season, despite the ongoing challenges posed by injuries.
As the Sharks continue to adapt to their evolving roster, Celebrini’s standout performances provide hope and excitement for fans. His ability to consistently deliver under pressure reinforces his status as a rising star in the NHL, making a significant impact on the ice and in the hearts of Sharks supporters.
