UPDATE: In a thrilling matchup, the San Jose Sharks narrowly defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-4 at the Honda Center on December 25, 2023, powered by a standout performance from Macklin Celebrini. Despite suffering a facial injury in the third period, Celebrini scored a goal and contributed two assists, marking his 10th three-point game of the season.
Celebrini’s injury occurred with 14:48 left in the third when a shot deflected off a teammate and struck him in the face. He impressively returned to the ice with 6:13 remaining, sporting visible marks near his left eye, showcasing his determination.
The Sharks showcased their offensive prowess early, with goals from Mario Ferraro and Celebrini giving them a 2-1 lead by the end of the first period. Ferraro’s goal at 10:43 marked a milestone as it was his 100th NHL point.
In the second period, Celebrini’s assist on a goal by William Eklund helped maintain momentum, and Zack Ostapchuk scored his first goal as a Shark at 13:47 in the third, extending the lead to 5-3. However, the Ducks fought back, with Troy Terry scoring late to bring them within one goal.
Despite the pressure, goalie Yaroslav Askarov made 39 saves, crucially stopping the Ducks during a late power play. The Sharks have now secured five wins in their last eight games, improving to 2-0-0 following the Christmas break.
Fans are left buzzing as the Sharks continue to build momentum in the season. The next challenge awaits as they aim to maintain their winning streak in upcoming games, with all eyes on Celebrini’s health and performance following his injury.
