Macklin Celebrini delivered a standout performance, leading the San Jose Sharks to a commanding 6-3 victory over the Calgary Flames at the SAP Center on December 16, 2025. Celebrini showcased his playmaking skills with two assists and scored a remarkable goal, contributing to a four-point game that kept the Sharks in strong contention.
Celebrini’s contributions were pivotal in a match attended by 14,261 fans. He began by assisting on goals from John Klingberg and Barclay Goodrow, before sealing his impressive night with an empty-net goal at 18:21 of the third period. This latest goal marked his 17th of the season and pushed him to 50 points overall.
Klingberg opened the scoring just 62 seconds into the game, executing a no-look backhand pass that caught the Flames off guard. Goodrow followed up with two goals, the second of which came just before the intermission, showcasing his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Celebrini’s highlight moment occurred early in the third period. After receiving a pass from Collin Graf, he exhibited exceptional skill by spinning past Flames defenseman Kevin Bahl and directing a shot toward goaltender Dustin Wolf. Although Wolf initially stopped the puck, it deflected off Celebrini and into the net, solidifying his status as a key player for the Sharks.
With this performance, Celebrini became only the third player in Sharks history to reach 50 points before the NHL’s holiday break, joining the ranks of Joe Thornton and Owen Nolan. His recent form has seen him accumulate 10 points in the last five games, greatly aiding the Sharks, who now hold a record of 4-1-0 during this stretch.
In the absence of regular linemates Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev, who are sidelined due to injury, Celebrini played alongside Graf and rookie Igor Chernyshov. Kurashev is considered week-to-week with an upper-body injury, while Smith’s recovery timeline remains uncertain. Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky stated that Smith would be reevaluated by the team’s medical staff on Monday but expressed optimism that surgery would not be required.
The Sharks built a 3-2 lead after the first period, with Goodrow’s two goals marking his first two-goal game of the regular season since April 5, 2024. The team demonstrated resilience and adaptability despite the challenges posed by injuries, showcasing the depth of their roster.
Klingberg’s contribution extends beyond the scoreline, as he now boasts a five-game point streak, accumulating eight points during this period. The Sharks’ ability to rally together, particularly in light of recent injuries, speaks to the team’s potential as they progress through the season.
As Celebrini continues to impress, fans and analysts alike are excited about the future of the Sharks and the young talent that is emerging in San Jose.
