Macklin Celebrini leads San Jose with two goals and two assists, marking a historic performance
Category: Sports
SAN JOSE, Calif. — In a dramatic showdown on April 1, 2026, the San Jose Sharks edged the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 at SAP Center, with rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini playing a starring role. Celebrini tied the game with less than two minutes remaining and assisted on Alexander Wennberg's game-winning goal, completing a remarkable four-point night.
With this performance, the 19-year-old Celebrini reached a milestone of 40 goals and 105 points this season, surpassing Erik Karlsson's previous franchise record of 101 points set in the 2022-23 season. This remarkable achievement places him second in single-season scoring in Sharks history, trailing only Joe Thornton’s impressive 114-point season in 2006-07. Celebrini's tally of 17 games with three or more points this season now ranks him second among teenagers in NHL history, just behind the legendary Wayne Gretzky, who had 19 such games in 1979-80.
Will Smith also made a notable contribution for the Sharks, scoring one goal and providing two assists. Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov was solid in net, making 28 saves to secure the victory. The win marked a much-needed boost for the Sharks, who now lead the four-game regular-season series against the Ducks 2-1.
The Ducks, who entered the game with a record of 41-29-5, took a 3-2 lead early in the third period thanks to a goal from Troy Terry just 4:04 into the frame. Terry's goal appeared to put Anaheim in a strong position, but Celebrini's late-game heroics turned the tide. He tied the game with just 1:39 left on the clock, setting the stage for Wennberg's decisive goal just 31 seconds later.
Ryan Poehling and Alex Killorn also found the back of the net for the Ducks, who have now suffered three consecutive losses but still maintain their position at the top of the Pacific Division. Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal made 16 saves and registered his first assist of the season on Poehling's goal. The absence of leading goal scorer Cutter Gauthier, sidelined with an upper-body injury, was felt throughout the game.
In addition to the thrilling action on the ice, the game drew a crowd of 16,146 fans, who witnessed a competitive matchup that showcased the intensity of the NHL. The officiating crew included referees TJ Luxmore and Jon McIsaac, with linesmen Bevan Mills and Tyson Baker overseeing the game.
Statistically, the Sharks outshot the Ducks 31 to 21, but the Ducks were more physical, registering 25 hits compared to San Jose's 20. The Sharks struggled in the faceoff circle, winning only 41.4% of draws, whereas the Ducks dominated with a 58.6% win rate. The Sharks also had three power play opportunities, failing to convert, whereas Anaheim capitalized on one of their two chances.
In the lead-up to the game, Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky faced uncertainty with forward Igor Chernyshov, who was a game-time decision due to illness. If Chernyshov was unable to play, Ty Dellandrea was set to step in. Chernyshov had recently returned from a concussion and had been a key contributor, scoring three points in his last four games. Dellandrea, who had been out since January 6 with a lower-body injury, has been a valuable player for the Sharks, especially in penalty-killing situations and face-offs.
As the Sharks prepare for their next game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, they will look to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, the Ducks will return home to face the St. Louis Blues, aiming to bounce back from their recent struggles.
The Ducks remain in a strong position in the Pacific Division, currently leading with 87 points, followed closely by the Edmonton Oilers at 85. The Sharks, now at 77 points, are fighting to stay in contention as the regular season heads toward its final stretch.
With the playoffs approaching, both teams will need to refine their strategies and capitalize on their strengths to secure a spot in the postseason. Celebrini's performance, in addition to the resilience shown by the Sharks, suggests that San Jose may be finding its stride at just the right time.
As the season progresses, to see how the young stars like Celebrini continue to develop and how established players adapt to the pressures of the playoff race. The excitement of the NHL season is only set to intensify in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, the Sharks will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 3, 2026, as they aim to continue their recent success and solidify their playoff position.