The Sharks (27-24-4) return from the Olympic break on Thursday, when they begin a six-game homestand against the Calgary Flames (10 p.m. ET; NBCSCA, SN1). The momentum Celebrini could potentially carry from the Olympics is something he is hoping to apply to the final 27 games of the regular season.
San Jose entered Wednesday five points behind the Anaheim Ducks for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Western Conference. It has not qualified for the postseason since 2018-19.
“I learned a lot while I was over there just being around our coaches, some of the best coaches in the League, and some of the best players in the world, and some of the best players that I’ve ever played,” Celebrini said. “Just their mentality, some of the things that they preach, and I mean the message around our locker room over there, I think I can bring some of that back and just know what it takes.”
There was an added buzz around practice Wednesday, with many local news outlets in attendance to speak with one of the NHL’s newer superstars. Celebrini was the No. 1 pick by the Sharks at the 2024 NHL Draft and has 144 points (53 goals, 91 assists) through his first 125 games, including 81 points (28 goals, 53 assists) in 55 games this season.
“This is the most media we’ve had, ever,” Celebrini joked before fielding questions. “Starting to feel like a Canadian market.”
Regardless of the increased coverage, Celebrini is ready to put his entire focus on helping the Sharks end their playoff drought.
“We want to take those next steps,” Celebrini said. “All this comes along with it — the fans, the attention, and we want those expectations. We want that pressure, because that means we’re doing a good thing and we’re trending the right way.”