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, Macklin, Macklin!
You wouldn’t blame Will Smith if he sometimes felt like Jan Brady next to “new face of the NHL” Macklin Celebrini.
Smith, best friends with Celebrini, has never shown a trace of jealousy, though.
And on Monday, in the San Jose Sharks’ 6-3 stomping of the Utah Mammoth, Smith showed off his own staggering talent.
This Will Smith goal might be a candidate for goal of the year.
Last season, about mid-January, both in their rookie campaigns, it appeared that Celebrini was literal leagues ahead of Smith.
Before Jan. 18, the 2023 No. 4 pick had six goals and 15 points in 39 games and was sitting out back-to-backs in what the organization called development days. Smith also was moved from his natural center position to wing a month into the season.
The 2024 No. 1 pick was perhaps the leading Calder Trophy candidate, any talk of development days for him obliterated by 13 goals and 32 points in just 35 appearances.
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