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Celebrini returns Sharks fans’ roar to sold-out Tank in NHL debut initially appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN JOSE — Proper up till the bitter, bitter finish, it felt so much like the great ol’ days on the Tank, and Sharks followers gleefully contemplated the chances of what the brand new season has in retailer.
A disastrous third interval and additional time that resulted in a 5-4 San Jose loss undoubtedly forged gloom over SAP Middle, but it surely couldn’t erase the glee that beamed all through the constructing for the child they name Mack.
Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 decide within the 2024 NHL draft, made his skilled debut in opposition to the St. Louis Blues, and Sharks followers loudly cheered every time his image appeared on the scoreboard excessive above the ice.
Already thought-about the face of the franchise even earlier than the primary puck dropped this season, Celebrini introduced the lots to their ft when he scored San Jose’s first goal of the season off a spectacular 360-degree spin-and-shot that deflected off St. Louis defenseman Matthew Kessel and went into the online.
It was an electrifying second in a number of methods, and it set the tone for the night time — and probably the season.
“It was superior,” Celebrini stated. “It’s every little thing I assumed it could be for my first sport.”
That sort of environment had been lacking round these elements currently.
Dulled by a five-year stretch throughout which the Sharks had been well known because the worst staff within the NHL, followers had turn into largely apathetic to the franchise that introduced professional hockey again to the Bay. Earlier than sliding into that funk, although, the Sharks had been perennial playoff contenders and amassed an enormous hometown following.
The enjoyable occasions ended when the successful did. The Sharks ranked 30th in attendance within the 32-team NHL final season, twenty ninth in 2022-23 and twenty fifth in 2021-22.
That’s virtually sure to alter this season.
Celebrini’s presence alone has introduced a brand new sense of hope to the Sharks and their followers. The 18-year-old prodigy is every little thing San Jose wants: Younger, athletic and very quick on the ice, with expertise dripping out of his pores.
Chants of “We would like Macklin” from the sellout crowd of 17,435 echoed all through the world, and followers had been absolutely engaged all through the sport. The roars appeared to get their loudest on Fabian Zetterlund’s second-period aim that gave the Sharks a 3-1 lead.
Even earlier than the sport, it already had a special really feel in San Jose
Followers draped in teal waited in line almost 2 ½ hours earlier than puck drop, a lot of them speaking excitedly in regards to the Sharks and the chances for the staff.
As soon as inside, the aura was considered one of optimism.
Lights hooked up to the seats blinked on and off all through the sport, and each shut shot by both staff was met by oohs and aahs. Though it was the Sharks’ season opener, there virtually was a playoff-type really feel to the proceedings.
When Barclay Goodrow scored on a wrist shot late within the second interval, giving San Jose a 4-1 lead regardless of being on the penalty kill, the SAP crowd erupted in a loud and extended cheer.
The gang was actually hyped when Celebrini scored his first aim, however the hype wasn’t only for him. Fellow rookie heart Will Smith, the Sharks’ No. 4 total draft decide in 2023, additionally made his NHL debut and took time to soak all of it up.
“It was good seeing the followers once more, Smith stated. “And the way loud it will get in that constructing. It’s very particular.”
