Celebrini Shines Despite Injury as Sharks Edge Ducks 5-4

In a thrilling encounter at the Honda Center on December 29, 2025, the San Jose Sharks triumphed over the Anaheim Ducks with a score of 5-4, propelled by a standout performance from rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini. Despite briefly leaving the game due to an injury, Celebrini’s contributions included a first-period goal and two assists, marking his tenth three-point game of the season.

The Sharks showcased resilience, securing their fifth victory in their last eight games. Alongside Celebrini, goals from Mario Ferraro, Igor Chernyshov, William Eklund, and Zack Ostapchuk helped San Jose maintain their narrow lead. Ostapchuk’s goal, his first in a Sharks uniform, came at a critical moment in the third period, extending the Sharks’ lead to 5-3.

The game took a tense turn when the Ducks pulled their goalie, Petr Mrazek, in hopes of equalizing. Troy Terry scored for Anaheim with 4:02 remaining, narrowing the gap to one goal. However, Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov delivered a commanding performance with 38 saves, ensuring San Jose held on for the win despite conceding 42 shots to the Ducks.

Game Highlights and Celebrini’s Injury

The Sharks’ first period was marked by some defensive lapses, evidenced by eight turnovers. Nevertheless, they managed to take a 2-1 lead. After Ferraro opened the scoring at the 10:43 mark with a goal assisted by Alexander Wennberg, the Ducks equalized shortly after. Celebrini would not be denied, however, reclaiming the lead with just seconds remaining in the period.

Celebrini’s moment of concern came when a shot from Ducks forward Alex Killorn deflected off Sam Dickinson and struck him near the eye, forcing him to leave the game with 14:48 left in the third period. Fortunately, he returned with 6:13 remaining, showing visible marks from the incident but undeterred in his play.

In the second meeting of the season between these teams, the Sharks were eager to avenge their earlier loss to Anaheim, which ended in a 7-6 overtime defeat on October 11 at SAP Center. This time, they successfully executed their game plan, combining strong offensive efforts with key defensive plays.

Looking Ahead

The Sharks continue to find their rhythm post-Christmas, now boasting a record of 2-0-0 since the break. They will aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, with hopes that Celebrini’s performance remains a driving force. As he currently ranks third in NHL scoring, his continued health and performance will be critical for San Jose’s ambitions this season.

As the league progresses, the Sharks will rely heavily on the contributions of their young stars, including Celebrini, to navigate the competitive landscape of the NHL. This win not only bolsters their confidence but also exemplifies the potential within their roster as they seek to secure a playoff spot.