Macklin Celebrini, the promising 19-year-old talent of the San Jose Sharks, is showing significant progress as he adjusts his game to become more aggressive in scoring following a rocky start to the season. After three games with only three assists and two shots on goal, Celebrini was struggling to find the net, which raised concerns about a possible sophomore slump. Last season, he led the Sharks with an impressive 236 shots in just 70 games, highlighting the stark contrast in his shooting performance early this year.
The turning point came during a match against the Utah Grizzlies on October 17, where he netted his first goal of the season and tallied three shots on goal, exceeding his prior season total. Celebrini himself recognized this improvement, emphasizing his focus over the summer on hitting the net and creating scoring opportunities by getting the puck low for potential rebounds.
Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky expressed that a key area for Celebrini was not just the power of his shots, but their accuracy, noting that successful scoring often comes from well-placed shots rather than sheer strength. Celebrini took this advice to heart, reflecting on the need for better decision-making after realizing he had been overly focused on setting up his teammates, which sometimes led to turnovers.
In the subsequent match against the New York Islanders on October 21, Celebrini showed an impressive resolve, recording six shots and making 13 shot attempts, further signaling his newfound aggressive approach. This evolution in his gameplay has not only increased his chances of scoring but has also created more offensive pressure on opposing teams.
With a more balanced approach—being both cautious and aggressive—Celebrini is quickly learning how to excel as a burgeoning star in the NHL. His recent performances not only demonstrate his offensive capabilities but also highlight his adaptability as he garners recognition, including being named NHL First Star of the Week. As he continues to hone his skills, Celebrini is poised to significantly impact the Sharks’ season.