The New York Rangers most recently picked up a point against Anaheim where the other teams around them did not. However switching gears, the San Jose Sharks are a team the Rangers cannot take lightly.
It'll be the Blueshirts' first time seeing young rookie phenom Macklin Celebrini this season, as he was injured with a hip issue when the Sharks came to the Garden.
Here's why Celebrini is the Shark to watch on the ice against the Blueshirts.
Macklin Celebrini
At only 18-years-old, Celebrini is already the second team-leader on the Sharks — only one point away from tying William Eklund. Celebrini currently has 53 points for 21 goals and 32 assists.
Standing at 6'0" and weighing 190 pounds — the San Jose Sharks added another core piece to their future when they chose Celebrini with the No. 1 pick in the recent 2024 NHL Draft and signed the forward to an entry-level contract July 6, 2024. He even had a goal and an assist in his NHL debut, a 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues at SAP Center on Oct. 10.
The British Columbia, Canada native had 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists) in 38 games as a freshman, and at 17 became the youngest player to win the Hobey Baker Award as the top men's player in NCAA ice hockey. He was the fourth player from NCAA men's college hockey chosen No. 1 in the NHL Draft, and first since University of Michigan defenseman Owen Power by the Buffalo Sabres in 2021.
There's plenty of concern for the New York Rangers when it comes to Celebrini. Over the past 11 games he has tallied 11 points, recording a point in eight of them.
How to Tune In
Following the Rangers 5-4 OT loss against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday, the New York Rangers truly have no time to waste when it comes to where the NHL standings are concerned.
Puck drop on Saturday is slated for 10:30 p.m. EST and will be livestreamed on ESPN+. Be sure to tune into our Twitter for live updates.