SAN JOSÉ, Calif. (AP) – Macklin Celebrini scored two goals to end his longest drought of the season, allowing the San Jose Sharks to win 3-1 against the New Yorkers. Rangers Friday evening.
Celebrini’s 25th and 26th goals this season were his first since Jan. 7, a six-game stretch.
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The No. 1 overall pick in 2024, Celebrini had a chance for his third hat trick of the season, but his third-period shot was stopped by Rangers goalie Martin Spencer and the puck rolled slowly toward the side of the net.
Pavol Regenda added his eighth goal for the Sharks while Will Smith and Collin Graf each had two assists. Alex Nedeljkovic made 28 saves.
Sam Carrick scored his second goal in six games for New York, which lost its third straight and is now 2-8-1 in its last 11 games.
Celebrini quickly got the Sharks on the board with a power play goal 1:09 into the first period. Celebrini positioned himself in front of the Islanders net and scored off a quick pass from Tyler Toffoli.
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San Jose added a second power play goal less than two minutes later when Regenda fired a backhand shot that went over Martin’s left shoulder. Michael Misa and Graf helped.
Celebrini scored his second goal of the evening at 7:37 in the first period. Chants of “MVP MVP” for the 19-year-old broke out moments later.
Carrick’s goal was his third of the season for Rangers. Taylor Raddysh and Anton Blidh helped. Martin finished with 28 saves.
To be continued
Ranger: Play the Canucks on Tuesday night.
Sharks: Host the Bruins Monday night.
