Sharks Surge Into Playoff Contention With Late-Game Heroics

San Jose Sharks make late-game comebacks to win three straight, putting them in the thick of the Western Conference wild card race.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:40am

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The San Jose Sharks have won three consecutive games with game-winning goals in the final 90 seconds of regulation, an NHL record. This hot streak has propelled them into the thick of the Western Conference wild card race, sitting just one point behind the Los Angeles Kings for the final playoff spot. Led by Hart Trophy candidate Macklin Celebrini, the young Sharks squad is learning how to win in high-pressure situations as they chase their first postseason berth since 2019.

Why it matters

The Sharks' recent run of late-game heroics has kept them firmly in the playoff hunt in a crowded Western Conference wild card race. After a tough stretch earlier in the season, the team's ability to win close games down the stretch could be crucial in securing a postseason berth and gaining valuable experience for their young core.

The details

In their last three games, the Sharks have won each contest with a game-winning goal in the final 90 seconds of regulation, an NHL record. This includes a 4-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, where 19-year-old star Macklin Celebrini scored the tying goal and assisted on the game-winner by Alex Wennberg. Celebrini has been a driving force behind the Sharks' recent success, recording five goals and nine points in the last three games after going cold during a six-game losing streak earlier in the season.

  • The Sharks' recent three-game winning streak began on April 2, 2026.
  • The Sharks are currently one point behind the Los Angeles Kings for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

A 19-year-old superstar forward for the San Jose Sharks who is a leading candidate for the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player. He has been a driving force behind the Sharks' recent surge into playoff contention.

Alex Wennberg

A veteran forward for the San Jose Sharks who scored the game-winning goal in the final seconds of the Sharks' 4-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks.

Ryan Warsofsky

The head coach of the San Jose Sharks who has encouraged his young team to 'enjoy the stretch run and have fun' as they chase their first playoff berth since 2019.

Alex Nedeljkovic

The Sharks' goaltender who said that the team will go as far as Macklin Celebrini takes them, praising the young star's leadership.

Zack Ostapchuk

A young Sharks forward who acknowledged that Celebrini is 'not a typical 19-year-old' in his maturity and impact on the team.

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What they’re saying

“He's our leader. We're gonna go as far as he takes us.”

— Alex Nedeljkovic, Sharks Goaltender

“He's not a typical 19 year old, right?”

— Zack Ostapchuk, Sharks Forward

“Enjoy it and have fun. I know this is a business, and I get it, but we're playing a game that we all love, we're in a position that probably a lot of people didn't expect us to be in.”

— Ryan Warsofsky, Sharks Head Coach

What’s next

The Sharks will continue their push for the playoffs, with key games against divisional rivals like the Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators in the coming weeks. Their ability to maintain their late-game heroics and Macklin Celebrini's Hart Trophy-caliber play will be crucial in determining if they can secure a postseason berth.

The takeaway

The San Jose Sharks' recent surge has shown the resilience and growth of their young core, led by superstar Macklin Celebrini. After a tough stretch earlier in the season, the Sharks are learning how to win close games down the stretch, which could pay dividends in their quest for their first playoff appearance since 2019.