Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
Macklin Celebrini can feel a different anticipation around town for this San Jose Sharks season.
Celebrini, back in San Jose for about three weeks or so, shared on the first day of training camp, “Walking around, talking to people, people coming up to us on the street, just saying how excited they are about the season. We didn’t really get that the last couple years, so it’s cool to see the excitement from the fans.”
The 20-year-old superstar is arguably the main driver for this excitement, and also, last year’s massive improvement in the standings. Celebrini had a sophomore campaign to remember, setting a franchise single-season record with 115 points, and finishing fourth in the Hart Trophy voting. He was also a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award.
There are now higher expectations for the San Jose Sharks and Celebrini, and he’s ready for them.
“Make the playoffs. That’s what we’re focused on,” Celebrini said. “There’s a lot of work to be done and a lot of growing to do. But I think, ultimately, that’s what we’re striving for.”
So how will the Sharks snap their seven-straight season playoff drought?
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