San Jose Sharks vs Anaheim Ducks Picks and Predictions October 12th 2024

Macklin Celebrini questionable as Sharks host Ducks

The San Jose Sharks are preparing to host the Anaheim Ducks this Saturday, but all eyes are on the status of their rising star, Macklin Celebrini. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft had an electrifying debut against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, only for concerns to arise after he sustained a lower-body injury. As the Sharks aim to secure their first win of the season, Celebrini’s potential absence could be a significant setback.

Celebrini’s Record-Breaking NHL Debut

In his highly anticipated NHL debut, Celebrini wasted no time making an impact. He scored his first goal just 7:01 into the game, marking the second-fastest goal by a No. 1 draft pick in NHL history, trailing only the legendary Mario Lemieux, who scored in 2:59 back in 1984. The 18-year-old phenom wasn’t done yet, as he assisted Tyler Toffoli’s goal later in the period, setting another record as the youngest player to tally two points in the first period of his NHL debut.

The buzz surrounding Celebrini’s performance was palpable. Teammates and analysts alike praised his poise and talent, with Tyler Toffoli remarking, “He’s incredible, an incredible talent, works extremely hard. At the end of the day, he wants to win games, and he’s going to do whatever it takes.”

Unfortunately, Sharks fans were left holding their breath after Celebrini missed practice on Friday due to a lower-body injury. His status for the game against Anaheim remains uncertain, with head coach Ryan Warsofsky providing no definitive update. “He’s still being evaluated … so, I couldn’t answer that question,” Warsofsky told reporters.

Sharks’ Struggles Continue Despite Celebrini’s Impact

Although Celebrini had a dream debut, the Sharks’ overall performance was disappointing. Leading 4-1 against the St. Louis Blues in the third period, San Jose faltered and lost 5-4 in overtime. This collapse is indicative of the challenges the team faces in capitalizing on early momentum, an issue that could be exacerbated if Celebrini misses time.

Warsofsky’s squad is hungry for a turnaround, and the matchup against Anaheim may offer a prime opportunity. However, without Celebrini, the Sharks’ offensive depth will be tested, and they’ll need other players to step up, particularly in closing out games.

NHL GAME PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

Anaheim Ducks: A Team on the Rise

The Anaheim Ducks, San Jose’s opponent on Saturday, are also in the midst of a rebuilding phase. Like the Sharks, the Ducks have struggled in recent years, missing the playoffs for six consecutive seasons. However, they have been stockpiling young talent through high draft picks, which makes them a dangerous opponent despite their inexperience.

Headlining this youth movement is Leo Carlsson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Carlsson, along with Mason McTavish (3rd overall in 2021) and Cutter Gauthier (5th overall in 2022), represents the core of Anaheim’s future offense. These promising players, alongside Trevor Zegras, the ninth overall pick in 2019, form the backbone of a team on the rise.

Trevor Zegras: Ready for a Breakout Season

After an injury-marred 2023-24 season, Trevor Zegras is expected to be the Ducks’ offensive leader this year. Zegras, now 23, was sidelined for much of last season due to a lower-body injury and a broken ankle. Despite these setbacks, Ducks head coach Greg Cronin is confident in Zegras’s potential to take his game to the next level.

“He’s at that sweet spot,” Cronin said of Zegras’s career. “He’s 23. The general consensus is that an athlete is what he’s going to be between 23 and 26.” The coach also praised Zegras’s shot-making and skill, indicating that the young forward has the tools to become one of the top players in the league.

Zegras’s return to full health is crucial for Anaheim, especially given the injuries he dealt with last season, which limited him to just 31 games. In those games, Zegras tallied six goals and nine assists—well below his previous totals of 23 goals in each of the two prior seasons. Now fully recovered, Zegras will be relied upon to guide Anaheim’s offense as the team looks to make strides in their rebuild.

Defensive Depth and Emerging Talent in Anaheim

While Anaheim’s offensive core is exciting, the Ducks have also invested heavily in young defensive talent. Pavel Mintyukov, the 10th overall pick in the 2022 draft, is a key player to watch on the blue line. He is joined by Olen Zellweger and Tristan Luneau, two other rising defensemen who made the Ducks’ opening-night roster.

Luneau’s journey is particularly notable, as he was forced to sit out much of last season due to a serious knee infection. Now back in action, he is focused on regaining his form and timing, something head coach Cronin emphasized as a critical part of his development.

“Tristan is in a process of getting timing, game speed and decision-making built back into his DNA,” Cronin said. “A kid who was out most of the year just needs experience.”

What’s at Stake?

Both the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks are entering this game with something to prove. For the Sharks, winning without their top prospect would be a statement of resilience, while for the Ducks, it’s a chance to showcase their young talent and begin their season on a high note. Both teams are in the midst of long-term rebuilding projects, making this game an exciting preview of the future stars of the NHL.

The Sharks will hope to avoid another late-game collapse, but if Celebrini is unavailable, the challenge will become more daunting. Anaheim, with its youthful roster, will be eager to make a strong first impression as they kick off their 2024-25 campaign.

Conclusion

The Sharks-Ducks matchup promises to be a captivating showdown of young talent. Macklin Celebrini’s availability remains the key question, as his presence could swing the game in San Jose’s favor. However, with or without their No. 1 pick, the Sharks need to tighten up defensively and avoid the mistakes that plagued their last outing. On the other hand, Anaheim, led by Zegras and Carlsson, will aim to showcase their growth and officially begin their push back to playoff contention.