Macklin Celebrini’s spectacular spin-o-rama goal helped the San Jose Sharks defeat the Calgary Flames 6-3 on Tuesday, marking the fastest 19-year-old to reach 50 points in a season for the franchise.
Fastest 50-Point Milestone
Celebrini’s 50-point night came after recording two goals and two assists against the Flames, raising his season totals to 18 goals and 33 assists in 34 games. He reached the 50-point mark three games faster than any other Sharks player, a pace that only Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby have surpassed among teenagers. Coach Ryan Warsofsky praised his consistency, saying, “He’s a special one, for sure,” San Jose coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “Every time you think he’s going to maybe slow down and maybe hit a speed bump, he doesn’t. He just keeps going. You can see he had legs early tonight. He’s obviously a very special individual.”
Celebrini’s performance is especially striking given he is only 19 and in his second NHL season. The Sharks, who finished last in the league for the past two seasons, are now in playoff position thanks in large part to his play.
Game-Changing Moves
Celebrini assisted on two goals in the first period, including a pinpoint pass to John Klingberg that set up the first. He also played a strong game at both ends of the ice all night.
The highlight came early in the third period when Celebrini took a pass from Collin Graf, spun without breaking stride, and shot on net. Dustin Wolf initially saved the attempt, but the puck bounced off Celebrini’s hip and went in. Celebrini described the play as, “It’s kind of just a reaction,” he said. “I mean, Graffer made a good play on the wall to kind of intercept it and then just found me in the middle. It was just kind of reactionary, but it was a little lucky. It goes off my hip.”
He capped the game with an empty-net goal that sealed San Jose’s 17th win.
Team Impact
Goodrow praised Celebrini’s influence, saying, “Everyone sees it. He’s one of the best. He has the ability to put a team on his back. He competes as hard as he can, each and every shift. He’s a leader. He does a lot for us.”
Goodrow echoed this sentiment, saying, “He’s incredible,” teammate Barclay Goodrow said. “It seems like every night he does something that just makes you say, ‘Wow.’ At this point, it’s not surprising, but it still is surprising. He proves each and every night why he’s one of the best players in the league.”
Celebrini said the team’s success is a group effort, adding, “It’s fun. It’s enjoyable to be around the rink when you’re winning and you’re playing well as a group and you just kind of feed off it. It’s more fun when you are winning.”
The Sharks, who won only 20 games in Celebrini’s rookie season and didn’t reach 17 until the 63rd game, have seen a dramatic turnaround in the current season. Celebrini is the biggest reason for the turnaround. His high level of play has earned him respect around the league and made a case for his inclusion on the Canadian Olympic team.
Key Takeaways
- Celebrini reached 50 points faster than any other Sharks player, a pace only surpassed by Gretzky and Crosby among teenagers.
- His spin-o-rama goal and play at both ends of the ice helped the Sharks secure a 6-3 win over the Flames.
- The young forward’s performance has earned league respect and is cited as a key factor in the Sharks’ playoff push.
With the milestone and a strong finish, Celebrini is the catalyst behind San Jose’s resurgence, positioning the Sharks firmly in the playoff hunt.
