Young star Macklin Celebrini put on a great performance. © APA / EZRA SHAW

Big Mack sends San Jose into ecstasy

The young NHL star wrote another glorious chapter in his still young career on Wednesday night.

April 02, 2026

From: sn

The "Shark Tank" was boiling over. The San Jose Sharks seemed to have lost their home game against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday, trailing 2-3 with just over a minute and a half left on the clock. But then 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini showed his exceptional talent, helping his team turn the game around and secure a 4-3 home victory in regulation time. The fans at the SAP Center went wild.

"It was pure joy. You heard what was going on in the arena. This was an important win for us," beamed match-winner Celebrini after the game. "The fans are coming, it's loud, we're winning games and pushing for the playoffs. It's an exciting time, one I've never experienced before. I'm trying to soak it all in."

San Jose celebrates its exceptional talent Celebrini. © APA / EZRA SHAW

"This kid is getting better and better. He works hard and he deserves it. He's going to be a special player for us for a long time," said Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky about his superstar number 71.

Surprising twist thanks to Celebrini

The equalizing goal with 1:40 remaining was particularly beautiful. The Sharks had already pulled their goalie Yaroslav Askarov (28 saves, 90,3 percent save percentage) for an extra attacker when Celebrini, just outside the left faceoff circle, took precise aim and fired a laser shot to tie the game 3-3, sending the "Shark Tank" into ecstasy (59th minute).

A brilliant player: Macklin Celebrini. © APA / EZRA SHAW

Things got even better a little later: with 31 seconds left, Celebrini passed from behind the net to Alexander Wennberg, who was positioned in the slot and scored to make it 4-3, sending the arena into a frenzy. Celebrini was directly involved in all four goals.

The Sharks celebrate their third consecutive victory, making an impressive comeback after a previous five-game losing streak. San Jose is one point behind the last wild card spot in the Western Conference and has played one game less than their arch-rivals, the Los Angeles Kings, who currently hold that coveted position.