The San Jose Sharks secured a decisive 6-3 victory over the Calgary Flames on December 17, 2025, highlighted by a standout performance from rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini not only assisted on two goals but also scored a remarkable highlight-reel goal, captivating the audience at the SAP Center, which boasted an attendance of 14,261 fans.
Celebrini’s contributions began early in the match. He assisted John Klingberg for a goal just 62 seconds into the first period, executing a no-look backhand pass that set the tone for the game. He later assisted Barclay Goodrow on his second goal, which came just before the first intermission, showcasing Celebrini’s ability to elevate his teammates’ play.
In the third period, Celebrini scored his own goal, extending the Sharks’ lead to two. After receiving a pass from Collin Graf, he demonstrated exceptional skill by spinning past Flames defenseman Kevin Bahl and firing a shot that initially was saved by Flames goalie Dustin Wolf. The puck deflected off Celebrini and into the net, marking his 17th goal and 50th point of the season, a feat that places him among elite company as only the third Shark to achieve this milestone before the NHL’s holiday break.
Celebrini’s impressive performance extends to his recent form, as he now has 10 points in his last five games, contributing to the Sharks’ strong record of 4-1-0 during this stretch. This success comes despite injuries to key teammates Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev, who were sidelined after a recent overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed that Smith, who suffered an upper-body injury, will be reevaluated by the medical staff this week. Kurashev is considered week-to-week with an upper-body injury of his own. Prior to his injury, Smith had amassed 29 points in 33 games, playing a crucial role in the team’s success.
The Sharks took a 3-2 lead into the first intermission, with Goodrow scoring his goals at 6:00 and 19:41 of the period. His second goal was a result of a well-executed play where he set up Celebrini before tapping in the puck after it trickled past Wolf. Klingberg’s goal, which opened the scoring, initiated a five-game point streak for him, accumulating eight points during this stretch.
As the Sharks continue to navigate the season, Celebrini’s emerging star power and ability to perform under pressure make him a pivotal player. His capability to adapt to line changes and still deliver outstanding performances will be essential as the Sharks aim to build on their recent success and solidify their position in the league.
