Sharks Struggle Without Macklin Celebrini's Scoring

San Jose Sharks need more consistent offense to make playoffs

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The San Jose Sharks have struggled when teenage center Macklin Celebrini doesn't record a point, going just 1-12-2 in those games. Celebrini leads the team in scoring, but the Sharks need more consistent production from the rest of the roster, especially with a tough upcoming five-game road trip against teams that have struggled defensively.

Why it matters

The Sharks are in a tight race for a Western Conference wild-card playoff spot, and their reliance on Celebrini's scoring could hurt their chances if he's shut down by opposing teams. The team needs secondary scoring to emerge to complement Celebrini's production and give them a better chance of making the postseason.

The details

Celebrini has tallied at least one point in five of six games since the Olympic break and is closing in on 100 points this season. However, the Sharks are 1-12-2 when Celebrini doesn't record a point. The team's second-leading scorer, Will Smith, has roughly half the production of Celebrini. With tight-checking teams focused on Celebrini, the Sharks need other players like Michael Misa, Tyler Toffoli, and William Eklund to step up and contribute more offense.

  • The Sharks are heading into a brutal five-game road trip.
  • The Sharks' next game is on Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres, who are coming off an 8-7 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
  • On Thursday, the Sharks face the Boston Bruins, who have allowed 12 goals over their last three games.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

A teenage center for the San Jose Sharks who leads the team in scoring with 85 points, ranking fifth in the NHL.

Will Smith

The Sharks' second-leading scorer with 19 goals and 44 points, roughly half of Celebrini's production.

Michael Misa

A Sharks teenager who has posted four points (three goals, one assist) over his last five games.

Tyler Toffoli

A veteran forward for the Sharks who the team needs to contribute more consistent offense.

William Eklund

A Sharks player who the team hopes can break through his scoring drought to provide more offense.

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What they’re saying

“Every game feels like a playoff game right now for Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks. But if they're going to contend in the Stanley Cup playoffs, some things have to change.”

— Chelena Goldman (heavy.com)

“The Sharks may lean on Celebrini to lead the offense, but one player does not a team make.”

— Curtis Pashelka, San Jose Mercury News reporter (San Jose Mercury News)

What’s next

The Sharks will need to find more consistent scoring from players other than Macklin Celebrini during their upcoming five-game road trip, which includes games against the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins.

The takeaway

The San Jose Sharks' reliance on Macklin Celebrini's scoring production is a concern as they fight for a playoff spot. The team needs to get more secondary scoring from players like Will Smith, Michael Misa, Tyler Toffoli, and William Eklund to complement Celebrini and give them a better chance of making the postseason.