Celebrini shows greatness in Sharks win over Blues originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more about its coverage at San Jose Hockey Nowlisten to it on San Jose Hockey Podcast Nowand follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
ST. LOUIS — This might have been the best game of Macklin Celebrini’s NHL career…so far.
Not only did the 18-year-old score two goals and add an assist in the match Sharks win 4-3 against St. Louis Blues Thursday at Enterprise Center — coach Ryan Warsofsky said Celebrini’s second goal was “one of the best shots I’ve ever seen” — but also?
“He’s not just good offensively,” said Jake Walman, who scored the game-winning goal. “He’s also good defensively.”
It wasn’t just obvious defensive plays. It’s something that’s been said about Celebrini long before the 2024 NHL Draft: He thinks defense first, which is rare for such a talented offensive player.
