Macklin Celebrini sends strong message after Connor McDavid explodes for 5 points
Photo credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Macklin Celebrini didn't duck the moment after Connor McDavid and Kris Knoblauch's Oilers rolled through San Jose.
He leaned into it.
Right after a 5-2 loss, Celebrini delivered a message that carried weight across the room and the league.
“He's the best player in the league, and he's also the fastest.”
That wasn't hype. That was a rookie who just got a front-row seat to dominance.
McDavid piled up 5 points in the win, slicing through coverage and controlling the pace every shift he touched the puck.
San Jose had no answer once Edmonton got rolling through the neutral zone.
Connor McDavid's 5-point surge sparks bold reaction from Macklin Celebrini
Celebrini didn't sound discouraged. He sounded wired.
He admitted it's “super frustrating” to play against McDavid, but the tone wasn't defeat. It was competitive respect.
That matters inside a young locker room.
Celebrini already has 108 points in 77 games, driving San Jose's offense and handling top-line minutes every night.
And he opened the scoring in this one.
But once Edmonton adjusted, the ice tilted hard.
McDavid now sits at 133 points in 79 games, and this was one of those nights where every touch created something dangerous.
The Oilers didn't just win. They controlled the game flow, especially on the power play, where they went 3-for-3.
San Jose's penalty kill got exposed, and that's where the gap showed.
Still, Celebrini kept pushing. No shortcuts, no hiding.
That's the takeaway for the Sharks.
They're outside the playoff picture with 81 points, but this is about trajectory, not standings.
And games like this? They're measuring sticks.
Celebrini didn't just watch McDavid. He studied him in real time.
That's how young stars close the gap.
Because the next time these teams meet, San Jose won't just want to compete.
They'll expect more.
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| POLL | ||
AVRIL 9|56 ANSWERS Macklin Celebrini sends strong message after Connor McDavid explodes for 5 points Did Macklin Celebrini show he's ready to chase Connor McDavid long-term ? | ||
| Yes | 45 | 80.4 % |
| No | 11 | 19.6 % |
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