November 2nd 2024.
The San Jose Sharks are eagerly anticipating the return of Macklin Celebrini to their lineup. The young center has been on injured reserve for a few weeks now due to a nagging hip issue, but it seems like he may be ready to hit the ice again soon. The team is scheduled to practice twice next week, and head coach Ryan Warsofsky has made it clear that Celebrini won't be playing in any games until he has some contact in practice.
Celebrini has been gradually easing back into team activities, participating in a couple of morning skates and one practice session. However, these have been relatively low-impact and haven't included any battle drills. On Saturday morning, Celebrini was the first player on the ice and stayed for a grueling 90-minute session, only leaving when the ice needed to be cleaned. The Sharks are currently on a five-game homestand, and Celebrini's potential return would be a much-needed boost for the team.
But even if Celebrini is able to fully participate in practice next week, there's no guarantee that he will be back in the lineup. Warsofsky has stated that the 18-year-old's return is still week-to-week, and the Sharks want to make sure he is fully healed before putting him back in the game. Celebrini's health and well-being are the team's top priority, and they want to ensure that this hip issue is a thing of the past.
Speaking of the team's homestand, the Sharks are currently riding a three-game winning streak and will be facing off against the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Minnesota Wild in their final two games. These will be tough matchups, and the Sharks will need all hands on deck, including Celebrini, to come out on top.
One player who has been turning heads lately is Will Smith, who recently scored his first two NHL goals in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Smith, who is just 19 years old, has been given the nickname "Puppy" by his teammates, a reference to a popular hip-hop song. Defenseman Jake Walman, who gave him the nickname, believes that Smith is destined to become a "big dog" in the league, and his performance on Thursday only solidified that belief.
But Smith is taking all the attention and nicknames in stride, saying that the team has a great dynamic and plenty of characters to keep things light. Even during their tough losing streak, the team remained positive and united, ready to bounce back and get their first win. Smith has received countless messages of congratulations after his two-goal performance, and he's grateful for the support from his teammates and fans.
As for Saturday's game against the Vancouver Canucks, the Sharks will be making a few lineup changes. Timothy Liljegren will be entering the lineup, while fellow defenseman Jack Thompson will be a healthy scratch. Forwards Givani Smith and Klim Kostin will also be sitting out, with Smith playing in only two of the team's 13 games this season. It's a tough decision for the coaches, but they believe these changes will give the team the best chance to come out with a win.
The Sharks have a lot of new faces on their roster this season, and it's important for them to build camaraderie and support within the team. It's evident that they have a fun and close-knit group, and that's what helps them stay positive and motivated, even during tough times. With a mix of experienced veterans and young, talented players like Celebrini and Smith, the Sharks are poised to have a successful season.
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