The San Jose Sharks were forced to play without captain Macklin Celebrini on Monday after the star forward was scratched shortly before their road game against the Dallas Stars.
Celebrini took part in warmups and line rushes, but San Jose announced only minutes before puck drop that he would not play because of a lower-body injury.
Speaking after the Sharks’ 5-0 loss to the Stars, head coach Ryan Warsofsky said the team still did not have a firm diagnosis, although he hinted at positive news by revealing Celebrini remained at the arena.
“Obviously, he didn’t play today,” Warsofsky said. “We’ll evaluate tonight and tomorrow, and see where he’s at. He’s still being evaluated. He’s in the building, so he’s with the team.”
Celebrini remained at American Airlines Center and watched the game from the press box rather than leaving the building, which should be a good sign of his outlook.
San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng reported that Celebrini participated in most of the warmups and line rushes before leaving the ice a little earlier than usual. Peng also reported that Celebrini appeared to practice in full during Monday’s morning skate.
According to Peng, Sharks forward Will Smith and his teammates only realized Celebrini was injured when they returned to the locker room before puck drop. “It was just when we got back to the room,” Smith said.
David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The Sharks struggled without their captain on Monday, managing only 13 shots in the shutout loss to Dallas.
Celebrini had recorded five points through San Jose’s first two games before Monday’s late scratch, with San Jose winning each of those first two matches.
The Sharks are scheduled to practice Tuesday, when Celebrini’s status could become clearer, as San Jose continues its road trip Thursday against the St. Louis Blues.
