Unreal Macklin Celebrini theatrics, heroics fuel Sharks’ comeback win over Kings originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Macklin Celebrini Show took Los Angeles by storm on Wednesday night, and it was a sight to behold in the Sharks’ 4-3 overtime win over the Kings at Crypto.com Arena.
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With the Sharks in need of a late miracle, the 19-year-old superstar authored one of the more remarkable goals of the 2025-26 NHL season to tie the game with 66 seconds remaining in regulation.
Celebrini’s 24th goal of the season forced overtime, and just over three minutes into the extra period, he connected with a streaking William Eklund for the game-winner.
“I know Mack’s going to find me if I’m open, so for me, it was just like, OK, when I get the puck here, it’s going to go in the net and I thought [Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper] saved it there but no, it went in,” Eklund told Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda on NBC Sports California’s “Sharks Postgame Live” moments after the win. “So, I’m happy for that.”
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The Sharks’ fifth win in six games pushes their record to 22-18-3 and moves them into the Western Conference’s first wild-card spot. San Jose is just one point away from leading the crowded Pacific Division.
Celebrini finished the night with one goal and two assists, giving him 67 points this season.
The 2024 No. 1 overall pick is at the forefront of the Sharks’ resurgence and has the team thinking about the Stanley Cup playoffs, and a possible deep postseason run.
“It’s great,” Celebrini told reporters after the win. “This is what we want, the position we want to be in, especially with where things were. We’re doing a great job handling all of it and I think we have the group to do it. Obviously, there’s half a season left and there’s a lot of work to do, but you have a feeling in our group.
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“We’re confident in those situations that when we’re down 3-2 or tied 2-2 going in late against a really, really good team, a playoff team. It’s a different type of swagger and feeling in our group.”
After sweeping a home-and-road back-to-back against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Kings, the Sharks get two well-earned days off before taking on the 60-point Dallas Stars at home on Saturday night.
