The San Jose Sharks finally snapped a painful 15-game losing streak against the Nashville Predators on Monday night, and they have their rookie sensation to thank. Macklin Celebrini delivered a clutch third-period performance, scoring twice to power the Sharks to a dramatic 3-2 victory.
With the game tied in the final frame, Celebrini broke the deadlock before sealing the win with an empty-net goal with just 1:45 remaining. That second tally was his 44th of the season, a remarkable number that underscores his immediate impact in the league.
This wasn't just another multi-goal game for the young star. It was his 30th multi-point outing of the year, placing him in elite company in Sharks history. He now sits tied with franchise legends Owen Nolan (1999-00) and Patrick Marleau (2009-10) for the second-most such games in a single season, trailing only Jonathan Cheechoo's incredible 56 from the 2005-06 campaign.
While Celebrini provided the late heroics, the Sharks also got a key contribution from Igor Chernyshov, who opened the scoring with a power-play goal—his third in the last two games. In net, Alex Nedeljkovic was solid with 25 saves to secure the win.
The loss had ripple effects beyond the two teams on the ice. With Nashville falling, the idle Anaheim Ducks officially clinched a playoff berth, marking their first trip to the postseason since 2018. For the Sharks, however, the night was about ending a long drought and celebrating the continued rise of their newest star.
