Macklin Celebrini delivered an impressive performance, netting his second career hat trick and assisting on Will Smith's overtime goal, leading the San Jose Sharks to a thrilling 6-5 victory against the New York Rangers on Thursday night. This win marked the Sharks' first triumph of the 2025-26 NHL season after a rough start that included four losses and two defeats in overtime.

Celebrini's scoring spree included one goal in the first and two in the second periods, making him the 15th NHL player to achieve multiple hat tricks before the age of 20. His exceptional skills in front of the net and composure showcased his growing potential as a pivotal contributor to the Sharks’ rebuilding journey. In overtime, his assist on Will Smith’s goal came just after a lengthy 5-on-3 power play concluded, clinching the win for San Jose.

Currently undergoing a rebuilding phase, the Sharks are depending heavily on young talents like Celebrini, Will Smith, and 2025 second overall pick Michael Misa to spearhead the team’s resurgence. Celebrini’s on-ice leadership and scoring ability highlight the Sharks’ exciting youthful core, offering fans optimism for the season ahead.

Conversely, the New York Rangers faced their fifth straight home defeat to kick off the season, something that hasn’t happened since 1943-44, despite Taylor Raddysh scoring three goals. Struggling with defensive consistency, they allowed six goals while managing to net five of their own. Mika Zibanejad and Juuso Parssinen also contributed goals to the Rangers' cause.

Additionally, the Rangers suffered a blow when forward Matt Rempe exited the game due to an upper-body injury sustained during a first-period fight with Ryan Reaves. Rempe’s absence further weakened the Rangers’ roster and their chances of mounting a comeback. The ongoing loss of key players adds another layer of challenge for New York early in the season.

The overtime period underline the Sharks’ tenacity and Celebrini’s impressive playmaking skills, with Will Smith finding the net just 1:38 into the 3-on-3 OT thanks to Celebrini’s perfect setup. This thrilling conclusion encapsulated the vibrancy and promise surrounding San Jose’s young lineup, proving their capability to contend against seasoned NHL teams despite earlier obstacles.

With this victory, the Sharks build momentum and confidence moving forward, while the Rangers now face heightened pressure to improve their season at Madison Square Garden. Both teams will need to adjust their strategies and lean on their top talents to successfully navigate the early weeks of the 2025-26 season.