Macklin Celebrini Sparks Dramatic Comeback as Sharks Defeat Ducks

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 2, 2026 12:22 AM ET

Macklin Celebrini Sparks Dramatic Comeback as Sharks Defeat Ducks

San Jose — Macklin Celebrini capped a dramatic comeback that helped the Sharks defeat the Ducks on Wednesday. He scored with 1:39 left in the third period and set up Alex Wennberg’s go-ahead goal with 21 seconds remaining.

Late-game rally and key plays

Celebrini finished with four points in the game. His late goal tied the score and his assist produced the winner.

Will Smith and Celebrini opened the scoring for San Jose. Smith converted a power-play one-timer at 4:37 of the first period on a feed from Celebrini for his 22nd goal of the season.

Turning point and Ducks response

The Ducks briefly regained the lead after a midgame turnover. Dmitry Orlov’s attempted diagonal pass was intercepted by Troy Terry, who scored his 18th goal on a rebound at 15:56 of the third.

Ryan Poehling scored late in the first period. Alex Killorn gave Anaheim a go-ahead goal at 14:59 of the second.

Goaltending and shot totals

Yaroslav Askarov made multiple saves, including 12 in the opening period. Lukas Dostal faced the Sharks’ offense for the Ducks.

Through the first 53 minutes, Anaheim outshot San Jose 31-16. The Sharks had only two shots in the first 14 minutes of the third period.

Lineup changes and injuries

The Sharks were without rookie winger Igor Chernyshov due to illness. Chernyshov, 20, had two goals and an assist in his last four games.

Collin Graf moved up to the top line with Celebrini and Smith. Ty Dellandrea was activated off injured reserve hours before the game.

Dellandrea and lineup notes

Dellandrea had missed nearly three months after tearing a right posterior cruciate ligament. He started on the third line with Michael Misa and Tyler Toffoli.

Season context and records

Before the game, Celebrini and Smith led San Jose with 101 and 51 points. Celebrini has directly scored or assisted on 46.9% of the Sharks’ 224 goals in 73 games.

That rate is the highest goal share ever for a teenager. For comparison, Wayne Gretzky had points on 45.5% of Edmonton’s goals in 1979-80.

Standings and upcoming schedule

The Sharks entered Wednesday in 11th place in the Western Conference with 75 points. They stood two points behind the Nashville Predators for the second wild-card slot.