Sharks Come From Behind to Defeat Kings Late in the Game
Eklund Shines in Overtime as Sharks Edge Kings 4-3
San Jose, CA — William Eklund delivered a decisive goal just 3:08 into overtime, leading the San Jose Sharks to a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night. Macklin Celebrini played a pivotal role, scoring the tying goal and providing two assists, extending his point streak to 12 games.
Celebrini leveled the match with just 1:07 left in regulation. The 19-year-old center skillfully maneuvered past Warren Foegele, firing a wrist shot through traffic that found its way past goalie Darcy Kuemper. This marked Celebrini’s 24th goal of the season, and during his current streak, he has tallied nine goals and 15 assists.
This impressive run positions Celebrini among the NHL’s elite teenagers, tying for the third-longest point streak in league history alongside legends such as Joe Sakic, Jimmy Carson, and Wayne Gretzky. Additionally, it ranks as the third-longest in Sharks’ history.
Tyler Toffoli and Adam Gaudette each contributed a goal for the Sharks, while Yaroslav Askarov made 23 saves. With this victory, the Sharks have won five out of their last six games.
For the Kings, Alex Turcotte and Kevin Fiala both secured a goal and an assist. Despite Laferriere scoring to give the Kings a brief lead with 2:10 remaining in the third period, they were unable to stifle Celebrini’s late-game heroics. The Kings have struggled to achieve their first three-game winning streak since a four-game stretch in mid-November.
The Kings faced challenges on the ice, missing four forwards, including team captain Anze Kopitar, who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury sustained during a previous match. Consequently, the team had to adjust, fielding 11 forwards and seven defensemen.
Meanwhile, Sharks center Ty Dellandrea is week-to-week due to a lower-body injury sustained against Columbus.
