As the New Year gets closer, the San Jose Sharks keep finding small positives in a long rebuilding season. Wins are rare, but progress shows up in other ways. One of the clearest signs comes from a teenager who already looks at ease in big moments.
San Jose’s latest road game showed that growth clearly. The young player stayed calm, made smart decisions, and did not look overwhelmed.
Sharks’ Rising Star Macklin Celebrini Joins Exclusive Wayne Gretzky Club
The San Jose Sharks pulled out a 5-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night at Honda Center, even while spending most of the game without the puck. Anaheim outshot San Jose 42-13, but the Sharks made their chances count and leaned on timely scoring and steady goaltending to close out the game as the New Year draws closer.
Macklin Celebrini once again sat at the center of everything San Jose did well. The 19-year-old scored a goal and added two assists, extending his point streak to eight games, the longest of his young NHL career. His night also pushed him to 60 points in just 39 games, making him only the second teenager in league history to record 30 road points in fewer than 20 games, joining Wayne Gretzky.
San Jose built a 4-1 lead midway through the second period, utilizing their limited opportunities. Mario Ferraro opened the scoring, followed by goals from Celebrini, Igor Chernyshov, and William Eklund. Anaheim responded with pressure and goals of its own, but the Sharks stayed composed despite long stretches defending in their zone.
Zack Ostapchuk’s first NHL goal late in the third period proved to be the difference. His tip-in made it 5-3 and gave San Jose just enough breathing room. Troy Terry answered moments later for Anaheim, but the Ducks could not find the equalizer before time ran out.
Yaroslav Askarov played a major role in preserving the win. He stopped 38 shots and stayed sharp during heavy third-period pressure.
Celebrini’s impact continued to draw attention across the league. NHL Public Relations noted his growing road totals, highlighting how quickly he reached the points previously touched only by Gretzky. NHL analyst Jason Demers summed up the reaction on X by writing, “Celebrini is generational, there I said it. Good night.”
READ MORE: Sharks Sensation Macklin Celebrini Skates His Way Into Connor McDavid Territory
Inside the Sharks’ room, the praise carried the same tone. William Eklund, who scored during the second period, pointed to Celebrini’s calmness. “Not enough can be said about this guy,” Eklund said after the game. “It’s unreal how he sees us and makes great plays.”
Selected first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Celebrini has become a steady driver of offense for San Jose. He now sits at 21 goals and 39 assists, with a plus-13 rating that reflects his two-way impact. He plays heavy minutes, controls the middle of the ice, and rarely looks rushed, traits that stand out even more given his age.
