Through the preseason and season opener, Macklin Celebrini proved why he deserved to be the first overall pick. With the young star being put on injury reserve after the initial game, San Jose has some questions without Celebrini in the lineup. The Anaheim Ducks shut out the Sharks 2-0 and left the team with concerns heading into their next games that won’t include the young star.
Celebrini’s Injury Leading to Shades of Last Season
After a dismal 2023-24 campaign offensively, the Sharks players, coaches and fans wanted to move on and forget the lacklustre offensive performances that the team put together. However, the team got a dose of that season against the Ducks. The Sharks managed 30 shots on goal but weren’t able to solve Lukas Dostal. San Jose also had three opportunities with the man advantage, but couldn’t capitalize. In a stark contrast to the season-opening game against the St. Louis Blues, the Sharks reverted to their old ways of not finishing chances.
In the season-opener, the Sharks exploded for four goals early before eventually dropping the contest. Celebrini got on the stat sheet with two points and showed the ability to lead the offence. This game, however, showed none of that same dynamic goal-scoring, with Celebrini being the catalyst for it all.
The two games revealed a reality that many fans knew when Celebrini was drafted: he is the engine that makes this offence run. Many of the other players on the ice already rely on Celebrini to drive the play and will need to step up in his absence.
Looking Elsewhere for Scoring
The reality is that even last year, some players on San Jose found offensive success. Will Smith is a dynamic centre whose talent may be overlooked due to playing alongside Celebrini. He has yet to register a point in the young season but will get a big opportunity. He may see time on the top power play unit and even with Tyler Toffoli or William Eklund, who he has rarely seen the ice with. However, he has seen a lot of time with Fabian Zetterlund, who is another prime candidate to step up in Celebrini’s absence.
Zetterlund had a 20-goal campaign last year, and we named him a prime candidate to break out. He scored a second-period marker in the season opener and had one against Anaheim that was waived off. If he continues his scoring ways, he and Smith could form a formidable duo for the rest of the season. Other players who could step up in Celebrini’s absence are William Eklund and Mikael Granlund. Each player has a track record of consistent production with the Sharks, and the team needs that to continue.
Finding the Positives
Despite the poor offensive showing, San Jose impressed in other areas. Their overall defensive game is a plus, as they only gave up two goals to Anaheim. They also held the Ducks scoreless on the power play. Jake Walman, specifically, has been a revelation for San Jose. His combination of skating and shot-blocking provides an element that was not there last season. He also quarterbacks the top power play unit, giving the team a more dynamic presence.
The Sharks penalty kill has not allowed a goal in either game so far. Walman, Jan Rutta, Mario Ferraro and Cody Ceci have anchored the group and will look to continue their work shutting down opponents. Finally, both goaltenders have played well in their respective starts. Mackenzie Blackwood had a strong first two periods against the Blues before surrendering the lead. And despite the loss, Vitek Vanecek was a standout for the Sharks. Each goaltender is making a case to play with Yaroslav Askarov once he returns to the NHL.
Main Photo Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
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