UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, Will Smith scored a crucial goal with just 4:21 left in the third period, leading the San Jose Sharks to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night at SAP Center. This win marks a significant turnaround for the Sharks, who are now at a .500 points percentage with a 6-6-3 record.
With the game tied, Philipp Kurashev set up Smith behind the Jets’ net, passing to Macklin Celebrini, who initially had the puck resting close to the goal line. Smith then swiftly poked it across for his sixth goal of the season, sealing the win for San Jose. Celebrini also dazzled fans with an impressive first-period goal, bringing his total to nine goals this season and securing his position as the NHL’s scoring leader with 23 points.
Sharks goalie Alex Nedeljkovic played a pivotal role in the victory, delivering 31 saves and outshining his counterpart, Connor Hellebuyck, who managed 25 saves. Nedeljkovic’s performance proved vital in the final moments, as he made four crucial saves in the last 35 seconds to uphold the Sharks’ lead.
The Jets initially took the lead at the 12:34 mark of the first period, when defenseman Josh Morrissey scored with a shot from the blue line that found its way past a screened Nedeljkovic. However, Celebrini quickly answered back just 1:12 later, showcasing his skills with a remarkable move against Hellebuyck to score.
This game not only highlighted the Sharks’ potential but also their significant improvement after struggling in previous seasons. The last time the Sharks boasted a .500 points percentage was on March 30, 2022, when they stood at 29-29-8. Following years of challenging starts, this victory offers a hopeful outlook for the team.
Looking ahead, the Sharks are set to host the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, on Saturday. Fans are eager to see if the Sharks can build on this momentum and continue their climb in the standings.
Celebrini, reflecting on his performance and admiration for NHL legends like Jonathan Toews, stated, “It’s tough to emulate a player like that; he’s just so unique.” Toews, who signed a one-year deal with the Jets in July, has become an inspiration for many young players including Celebrini, who grew up wearing a Blackhawks jersey adorned with Toews’ name.
With their recent success, the Sharks have ignited excitement among fans and provided a much-needed spark in the NHL. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!
