Macklin Celebrini, the San Jose Sharks center, has been making waves at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan Cortina, showcasing his talent alongside NHL superstars Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. In a thrilling matchup against Switzerland, Canada secured a decisive 5-1 victory, with Celebrini contributing significantly by adding a goal and an assist.
Celebrini’s highlight moment came during the second period when he scored just over four minutes in, extending Canada’s lead to 3-1 with a goal set up by MacKinnon. Demonstrating his skill and tenacity, Celebrini created a turnover in the Swiss zone during the third period, leading to a crucial rebound goal from MacKinnon after a save from Swiss goalie Akira Schmid. MacKinnon acknowledged Celebrini’s instincts on the ice, emphasizing the chemistry and teamwork among the line.
Reflecting on his experience, Celebrini expressed his excitement playing alongside two elite players, stating, “They’re just two special players.” The trio has a notable history, with MacKinnon being the first overall pick in 2013, McDavid in 2015, and Celebrini set to join the Sharks as the top pick in 2024.
After restructuring the lineup to include MacKinnon on the top line with Celebrini and McDavid, Team Canada found its rhythm, accounting for five points in the final two periods. Coach Jon Cooper praised their unselfish gameplay and how they contributed even without the puck. This dynamic effort helped Canada clinch first place in Group A and a bye to the quarterfinals, set to commence next Wednesday.
Looking ahead, Canada will wrap up group play against France, needing a strong performance to secure the tournament’s top seed. The top four teams will advance directly to the quarterfinals, avoiding the qualification playoffs.
On a related note, fellow Sharks winger Pavol Regenda made his mark for Slovakia as they topped Italy 3-2, assisting on a pivotal goal by Adam Ruzicka. Slovakia now leads Group B with a perfect record.
Meanwhile, Sharks center Alex Wennberg faced a tough defeat as Sweden lost 4-1 to Finland. Despite winning seven of 13 faceoffs, Wennberg was unable to propel his team to victory.
Overall, the Olympics have proven to be an exciting platform for Sharks players, showcasing their skills on an international stage. The camaraderie and competitive spirit seen thus far hint at even greater moments ahead as the tournament progresses.