In an impressive display of skill, Macklin Celebrini propelled the San Jose Sharks to a 6-3 victory against the Calgary Flames on December 17, 2025, at the SAP Center. Celebrini not only assisted on goals by John Klingberg and Barclay Goodrow but also scored a remarkable goal, contributing to a four-point night that delighted the 14,261 fans in attendance.
Celebrini’s Stellar Performance
Celebrini began the evening with a no-look backhand assist to Klingberg, who found the back of the net just 62 seconds into the first period. This quick goal set the tone for the match and showcased Celebrini’s playmaking abilities. Following his assist on Goodrow’s second goal just before the intermission, Celebrini added his own highlight-reel goal early in the third period.
In a dynamic play, Collin Graf maneuvered into the Flames’ zone and fed the puck to Celebrini. Displaying remarkable agility, Celebrini spun past defenseman Kevin Bahl and directed a shot at Flames goalie Dustin Wolf. Although Wolf initially stopped the shot, the puck deflected off Celebrini and into the net, marking his 17th goal and 50th point of the season. This achievement made him the third Shark to reach 50 points before the NHL’s holiday break, joining Joe Thornton and Owen Nolan.
The Impact of Injuries
Despite the absence of key players, the Sharks have maintained a strong performance. Celebrini’s recent success is particularly noteworthy, as he has accumulated 10 points in his last five games, helping the Sharks achieve a record of 4-1-0 during that stretch. His linemates for this game, Graf and rookie Igor Chernyshov, stepped up in the wake of injuries to Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev, who are both sidelined. Kurashev is expected to be out for at least a few weeks with an upper-body injury, while Smith’s timeline remains uncertain.
Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed that Smith will be evaluated by the medical team after sustaining an upper-body injury in their previous game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Warsofsky noted, “I don’t think we’re there yet” when asked about the possibility of Smith needing surgery.
The Sharks took a 3-2 lead into the first intermission, with Goodrow netting two goals in quick succession. His first goal came at the 6:00 mark, followed by a second at 19:41, marking his first two-goal game since April 5, 2024. Goodrow’s second goal was the result of a well-executed play where he passed to Ty Dellandrea, who then set up Celebrini for a quick shot that ultimately led to Goodrow’s tap-in.
Klingberg’s goal not only set the stage for the Sharks but also extended his point streak to five games, during which he has scored eight points. The combination of Celebrini’s extraordinary performance and the team’s resilience despite injuries highlights the Sharks’ potential as they move deeper into the season.
As the Sharks continue their campaign, the spotlight remains firmly on Macklin Celebrini, whose blend of talent and determination is proving to be a significant asset for the team.
