 "Macklin Celebrini celebrates with teammates after scoring for San Jose Sharks on NHL debut. Image: AP")
Macklin Celebrini had a memorable debut in the National Hockey League (NHL) as the 18-year-old rookie scored for San Jose in their match against St. Louis Blues on Friday. Celebrini also had an assist but San Jose, who have been struggling for the last five years, lost 5-4 in overtime. However, Celebrini’s goal-scoring debut can be seen as a positive and promises an exciting future.
“It was awesome,” Celebrini said. “It’s everything I thought it would be for my first game. It was an amazing experience and I’ll cherish it for the rest of my life.”
It was a lucky goal for Celebrini but he would take it. The former Boston University star did a spin-o-rama near the boards and tried to pass to William Eklund but it hit defenseman Matt Kessel’s skate and went past goalkeeper Joel Hofer at the 7:01 mark.
Though the goal came as a deflection, the crowd certainly loved Celebrini’s debut goal as they chanted his name. Celebrini was also celebrated on social media by San Jose fans who hope for more goals and some victories in the near future.
After scoring for San Jose, Celebrini made an assist later in the first period for Tyler Toffoli.
The Sportradar says that Celebrini, who is 18 years, 119 days old, is the youngest player in NHL history to record two points in the first period of his debut. The record was earlier held by Shane Doan who was 18 years, 362 days, when he earned two points for Winnipeg against Dallas in 1995.
Celebrini’s goal is also the second-fastest first goal for a No. 1 pick. The record is held by Mario Lemieux, who scored at the mark of 2:59 on his debut against Boston in 1984.
“It was cool to get the firsts for both in my career but we lost so it sucks,” Celebrini added.
The San Jose Sharks have been struggling for form since making the Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2016. Over 15 seasons before the 2016 final, the Sharks reached the playoffs 14 times and made it to the Western Conference final five times.
However, since 2016, they have missed the playoffs for five straight seasons, and last season in 2023-24 they finished at the bottom in the Western Conference with just 19 wins from 82 matches. They had a goal difference of 150 which is the worst in 30 years.