Anaheim Ducks clinch playoff berth, San Jose Sharks eliminated

Macklin Celebrini's two third-period goals lift Sharks to victory over Predators

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:03am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking a hockey game down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes. The players and the ice are reduced to abstract shapes and angles, with the puck as the central focal point.The Ducks' playoff clinching and Sharks' elimination are captured in a cubist, deconstructed hockey scene.San Jose Today

The Anaheim Ducks clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2018 after the San Jose Sharks defeated the Nashville Predators 3-2 on Monday night. Macklin Celebrini scored twice in the third period, including an empty-netter, to reach 44 goals on the season and end the Sharks' 15-game losing streak against the Predators. However, the Sharks were later eliminated from the playoffs for the seventh straight season after the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Seattle Kraken.

Why it matters

The Ducks' playoff berth ends a four-year drought and gives the team a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2017. Meanwhile, the Sharks' elimination continues a troubling trend, as they have missed the playoffs in seven consecutive seasons after making it 27 times in their first 27 years of existence.

The details

Celebrini's 30th multi-point game of the season moved him into a tie with Owen Nolan (1999-00) and Patrick Marleau (2009-10) for second-most by a Shark in a single season, only trailing Jonathan Cheechoo's 56 in 2005-06. Igor Chernyshov also scored a power-play goal for the Sharks, while Luke Evangelista netted both goals for the Predators.

  • The Ducks clinched a playoff berth on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • The Sharks' 15-game losing streak against the Predators ended on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • The Sharks were eliminated from the playoffs on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

A forward for the San Jose Sharks who scored two goals, including an empty-netter, to reach 44 goals on the season.

Igor Chernyshov

A forward for the San Jose Sharks who scored a power-play goal.

Luke Evangelista

A forward for the Nashville Predators who scored both goals for his team.

Anaheim Ducks

An NHL team that clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2018.

San Jose Sharks

An NHL team that was eliminated from the playoffs for the seventh straight season.

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What they’re saying

“Forty-four goals on the season is a remarkable achievement, and Macklin Celebrini's performance tonight was crucial in ending our losing streak against the Predators.”

— Mike Grier, General Manager, San Jose Sharks

What’s next

The Ducks will look to make a deep playoff run after ending their four-year drought, while the Sharks will focus on rebuilding and ending their seven-year postseason absence.

The takeaway

The Ducks' playoff berth is a significant milestone for the franchise, as they aim to return to the success they enjoyed in the late 2000s and 2010s. Meanwhile, the Sharks' continued struggles highlight the challenges of maintaining long-term competitiveness in the NHL.