One of the Sharks' biggest problems might not be solved this season

"There are a few reasons why Macklin Celebrini should be considered for the Hart Memorial Trophy this season if the Sharks somehow make the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2019. But here's one: When Celebrini has had at least one point in a game, the Sharks have won almost twice as often as they've lost. When Celebrini has been held off the scoresheet, not only have the Sharks failed to win a game so far this year, but their offense has often gone completely silent."

"Such was the case again Friday as Celebrini and the Sharks' top line were mostly held in check in a 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars. Collin Graf continued his solid play of late by scoring his fourth goal of the season in the second period, but San Jose didn't do much otherwise in what was its fifth straight loss on the road. Celebrini thought he had a goal in the third period as he ripped a one-timer past Stars goalie Jake Oettinger that would have cut Dallas' lead to 3-2 with 2:20 left in regulation time. But after a coach's challenge by the Stars, Sharks forward Philipp Kurashev was ruled to have been offside 24 seconds before the goal."

"That's five straight road losses by the Sharks, who, going into Sunday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes, are 13-7-1 this season when Celebrini has a point. When he doesn't, they are now 0-6-2, managing only eight goals. We had some trouble, winger Jeff Skinner said of Friday's first period, when the Sharks managed just three shots on net. Obviously, it's a good team. There's not a lot of space. Couldn't really get to the inside much, and they closed the lanes up and were blocking shots. I thought as the game went on, we got better. We had some (power play) looks, just couldn't find one when we needed it."

Macklin Celebrini's scoring presence strongly influences San Jose's success, with the Sharks 13-7-1 when he records a point and 0-6-2 when he does not. Friday's 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars illustrated that dependence as Celebrini and the top line were mostly neutralized and a potential Celebrini goal was overturned due to an earlier offside on Philipp Kurashev. Collin Graf scored his fourth of the season, but the Sharks recorded their fifth straight road loss and struggled to generate offense early against tight defensive coverage and blocked shots.

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