NHL: concerning news - Macklin Celebrini sidelined at the last moment

The San Jose Sharks faced a setback last night in the NHL round even before the game started, as the team’s star player Macklin Celebrini had to sit out against the Dallas Stars.

Celebrini participated normally in the pre-game warm-ups but left the ice before they were completed. The Sharks announced shortly before the game began that the 20-year-old captain would not be able to play due to a lower body injury.

There is still no detailed information about the severity of Celebrini’s injury or the potential length of his absence. Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky stated after the game that the star forward’s situation will be assessed further.

Celebrini had started his season effectively before his injury. He has tallied five assists in two games. In the season opener against the Florida Panthers, Celebrini collected three assists and two against the Los Angeles Kings. The Sharks secured overtime victories in both games.

Last season, Celebrini burst onto the scene among NHL superstars. He played all 82 regular season games and recorded impressive stats of 45+70=115 points.

Without their captain, the Sharks were completely outmatched by the Stars in Dallas. The home team decisively won the game 5–0, and San Jose suffered its first loss of the season. The Sharks managed only 13 shots on goal against Dallas. After three games, the team’s record stands at two wins and one loss.

The Finnish players from Dallas played a prominent role in the Stars’ season-opening victory. Miro Heiskanen, Joel Kiviranta, and Mikko Rantanen all succeeded in scoring, while Roope Hintz collected two assists.

The victory was much needed for the Stars, as the team had lost its first two games of the season. Dallas had managed to score only one goal in those games.