Macklin Celebrini Shines Again as Rangers' Struggles Continue in San Jose
SAN JOSE - Macklin Celebrini had been quiet for two games. That was never going to last.
The 19-year-old phenom wasted no time reminding the Rangers why he’s already one of the most dangerous young players in the NHL. Celebrini scored twice in the opening period Friday night, powering the Sharks to a 3-1 win and handing the Rangers their third straight loss in California.
If his hat trick at Madison Square Garden earlier this season wasn’t enough of a warning, his first-period outburst this time around made it crystal clear: Celebrini is the real deal - and he’s not just good, he’s already great.
The Rangers, meanwhile, are reeling. They’ve now dropped eight of their last nine and 11 of their last 13. Since GM Chris Drury announced a roster “retool” last week, they’re 1-3 and looking like a team searching for answers on both ends of the ice.
The Celebrini Effect
Before the puck even dropped, Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan didn’t hold back in his praise for Celebrini, comparing the Sharks rookie to a young Sidney Crosby - a player Sullivan knows intimately from his time in Pittsburgh.
“What he’s accomplished at his age is impressive,” Sullivan said. “I made the comment yesterday that he reminds me of a young Sidney Crosby, and it’s the ultimate compliment. I don’t throw that lightly.”
It’s not just talk. Celebrini, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, leads the Sharks with 26 goals and 74 points - more than doubling the production of San Jose’s next-highest scorer, Alexander Wennberg. He’s already set to represent Canada in next month’s Olympic Games in Italy.
“He’s a spectacular hockey player, great for the game,” said Rangers center Vincent Trocheck. “Tough to play against, does all the little things well, and he’s got tremendous skill.”
Mika Zibanejad echoed the sentiment: “He’s been one of the best in the league. He’s shown it against everyone, not just us. At his age, to have this kind of impact - it’s impressive.”
A Nightmare Start for the Rangers
Things went sideways for New York almost immediately. Zibanejad was whistled for tripping just 29 seconds into the game, and on the ensuing power play, Celebrini made them pay.
Driving to the back post, he got just enough of the puck with his skate for it to deflect in at 1:09. Even with J.T.
Miller tying up his stick, Celebrini found a way to finish.
“He plays the game on both sides of the puck,” Sullivan said postgame. “He’s a complete player at such a young age. He’s a special player.”
The Sharks didn’t waste time doubling down. Just two minutes later, Pavol Regenda capitalized on another San Jose power play.
Michael Misa - the No. 2 overall pick from last summer’s draft - won a puck battle along the wall against Trocheck and fed Regenda in the slot. The rookie buried a backhander past Spencer Martin to make it 2-0 and force Sullivan to burn his timeout.
“Can’t keep spotting teams two or three goals early in the first period,” Trocheck said. “It’s just too hard of a league to come back from that.
We’ve beaten ourselves. I don’t have any answers, to be honest with you, on why.”
The Rangers didn’t register a shot until a power play midway through the first period, and even then, they couldn’t break through. Moments later, Celebrini struck again. At 7:37, he made it 3-0, putting the game firmly in San Jose’s control before the first intermission.
Too Little, Too Late
The Rangers did show a bit of life later in the period. The fourth line - Anton Blidh, Sam Carrick, and Taylor Raddysh - put together a gritty shift, and Carrick finished it off with his third goal of the season at 12:50. It was his second tally in the last six games, but it was also the only one the Rangers would get.
From there, both goalies locked in. Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 28 shots for the Sharks, matching Spencer Martin’s total on the other end. But the damage had already been done.
“You can’t start a game like that,” Sullivan said. “Spot a team a couple of goals and then take seven penalties along the way - that’s not a recipe for success.
We’ve got to be ready from the drop of the puck. And trust me, I’ve thought about it.
We haven’t had the best starts lately, and I’ve got to do a better job preparing them.”
Quick Hits:
- Zibanejad’s 10-game point streak came to an end.
- The Rangers’ penalty kill gave up goals on San Jose’s first two power plays but bounced back to kill off the next five, finishing 5-for-7.
- Blidh drew into the lineup in place of Jonny Brodzinski.
- Defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and forward Matt Rempe were scratched.
Sullivan noted Rempe is still dealing with a left thumb injury from a fight with Ryan Reaves back in October.
What’s Next?
The Rangers limp home from a tough West Coast swing, still trying to find their footing in a season that’s starting to slip away. As for the Sharks, they continue to ride the wave of their young stars - and with Celebrini leading the charge, they’ve got every reason to believe the future is arriving faster than anyone expected.