In a performance for the ages, rookie phenom Macklin Celebrini exploded for a hat trick and five points, culminating in an assist on Will Smith’s overtime winner, to secure the San Jose Sharks’ first victory of the season in a dramatic 6-5 battle against the New York Rangers.
The hockey world witnessed a night to remember on Thursday, October 23, 2025, as Macklin Celebrini, the highly touted prospect for the San Jose Sharks, delivered a spectacular performance that not only secured his team’s first win of the season but also cemented his place in NHL history. In a back-and-forth thriller against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, Celebrini notched his second career hat trick and added two crucial assists, totaling an astonishing five points, including the setup for the overtime game-winner.
A Star Ascends: Celebrini’s Unforgettable Hat Trick
From the moment the puck dropped, Celebrini was a force to be reckoned with. He opened the scoring for the Sharks in the first period, showcasing the elite skill that made him the consensus first overall pick. He then followed up with two more goals in the second period, completing his second career hat trick before his 20th birthday. This achievement places him in exclusive company, as he became only the 15th player in NHL history to record multiple hat tricks before hitting the twenty-year mark, as documented by official NHL records.
His offensive onslaught didn’t stop at scoring. In the third period, Celebrini contributed a secondary assist on a goal by teammate Will Smith, which came just a second after a lengthy 5-on-3 power play expired, demonstrating his playmaking vision even in high-pressure situations.
Overtime Heroics and the First Win
The game remained tight, ultimately heading into 3-on-3 overtime. Despite being stopped by Rangers‘ goaltender Igor Shesterkin on a prime scoring chance moments before, Celebrini’s resilience shone through. He quickly recovered and delivered a pinpoint pass to Will Smith, who buried the puck 1:38 into the extra frame, sealing a thrilling 6-5 victory for the Sharks. This hard-fought win marked San Jose’s first of the season, a significant milestone after starting with a challenging 0-4-2 record, extending their streak of at least five consecutive losses to begin a season for the fourth straight year.
The importance of this victory extends beyond just the scoreboard. It represents a tangible sign of progress for a Sharks franchise deep in a rebuilding phase. The team is heavily investing its future in young talents like Celebrini, Smith, and 2025 No. 2 overall pick Michael Misa, all of whom were in the lineup for this pivotal game. Their collective performance offers a glimmer of hope and excitement for fans eager for a turnaround.
Rangers’ Struggles and Notable Performances
While Celebrini’s heroics stole the show, the New York Rangers also had their moments. Veteran forward Taylor Raddysh notably scored his second career hat trick, matching Celebrini’s three goals and contributing to the high-scoring affair. Other goals for the Rangers came from Mika Zibanejad and Juuso Parssinen. Despite scoring five goals in this game—a significant improvement after managing only one goal combined in their previous four home games—the Rangers have now lost five consecutive home games to start the season, a concerning statistic not seen since the 1943-44 campaign.
The game also saw an early exit for Rangers’ forward Matt Rempe, who suffered an upper-body injury stemming from a first-period fight with San Jose’s Ryan Reaves. Rempe did not return to the game after the incident, a detail extensively covered by the Associated Press.
The Road Ahead
For the San Jose Sharks, this victory is more than just two points; it’s a statement. It signals that their rebuilding efforts, spearheaded by burgeoning stars like Macklin Celebrini, are beginning to bear fruit. The excitement surrounding Celebrini’s performance—especially his rare feat of multiple hat tricks before turning 20—has invigorated the fanbase and provided a much-needed morale boost for the team, as highlighted by analyses on NHL.com. They will look to carry this momentum into their next game, visiting New Jersey on Friday night.
Meanwhile, the New York Rangers face introspection after their disappointing home start. They will aim to regroup as they open a four-game Western Conference trip, starting Sunday in Calgary. This game will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment for Celebrini and a potential turning point for the young Sharks roster.
