In a crucial 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, young talents Will Smith, Macklin Celebrini, and goalie Yaroslav Askarov played key roles, helping the San Jose Sharks snap a six-game losing streak. Smith's impressive performance included a secondary assist contributing to the team’s success, while Celebrini scored the game-winning goal against his childhood idol, Sidney Crosby. Askarov made essential saves to maintain the lead. Mikael Granlund praised the rookies for their evolving skills and contributions, indicating a bright future ahead for the young players as they continue to develop during the season.
Smith, 19, will take a career-long five-game point streak into Thursday when the Sharks travel to play the Seattle Kraken. Since being benched at the end of the Sharks' 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild, Smith has responded with two goals and five assists in his last eight games in his most productive stretch as a professional.
Celebrini lived another dream Monday night as he took the opening faceoff against Crosby, his childhood hero and one of the NHL's most decorated players over the last 20 years.
Great effort for all those three guys, said Sharks center Mikael Granlund, whose second period goal was assisted by Smith. They already are great players, but they're going to be even better players in this league in the future.
After some rough patches, Smith now has 21 points, fifth most among all rookies. Just trying to get better every night, Smith said after the Sharks lost 7-2 to the Florida Panthers on Saturday, adding that he continues to gain confidence knowing that I can make plays.
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