San Jose Sharks rookie center Macklin Celebrini smashed his stick in anger as the Ottawa Senators scored an empty-net goal to seal their win during Sunday night's NHL game at the Canadian Tire Centre.
The Sharks tied the game at 4-4 early in the third period, but Senators right winger Drake Batherson scored the go-ahead goal with a little under seven minutes remaining in regulation. Center Dylan Cozens scored less than two minutes later to give the Senators a 6-4 lead, which led the Sharks to pull their goalie in a desperate attempt to cut the deficit.
Unfortunately, the strategy did not work as Senators captain Brady Tkachuk secured the puck and fired it into the empty net at the 17:43 mark to make it 7–4, effectively ending any hope of a San Jose comeback. Celebrini was chasing Tkachuk on the play, and as the puck crossed the goal line, he destroyed his stick by smashing it against the goalpost in a burst of frustration.
Macklin Celebrini was NOT happy after Brady Tkachuk sealed the Sens win with an empty-netter 😳 pic.twitter.com/xdApZt46AH
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 15, 2026
We have seen hockey players smash their stick in anger before. In this case, Celebrini's display was a clear sign of his competitive drive that shows his passion and desire to win.
Celebrini finished the game with an assist, setting a Sharks franchise record for the fastest rookie to reach 60 assists. However, it wasn't enough as the Senators won the game 7-4.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports).
