Celebrini scores 2 points, adds assist as Sharks shock Kings 7-2

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Rookie Macklin Celebrini scored twice and had an assist for his first career three-point game, Will Smith had two assists and the San Jose Sharks upset the Los Angeles Kings 7-2 on Monday evening.

Celebrini’s goals highlighted a three-goal explosion early in the third period.

The No. 1 pick in last year’s draft scored 1:03 into the third to end a 2-2 deadlock. Timothy Liljegren scored just over a minute later and Celebrini scored on a five-on-three power play to open the game.

Anze Kopitar and Brandt Clarke scored for Los Angeles.

Yaroslav Askarov made 22 saves in his first career home start for San Jose, and Kings goaltender David Rittich stopped 14 shots.

Nico Sturm scored on a breakaway at 1:47 of the first period on a pass from Mario Ferraro. Askarov was also credited with an assist.

Takeaways

The Sharks limped into Monday night’s game after losing six of their last seven games and coming away with an impressive victory. Celebrini leads a youth movement that appears to be taking shape for the rebuilding Sharks, with fellow rookies Smith and Askarov also shining. The team’s third-highest five goals is the most goals San Jose has scored in one period this season.

Los Angeles was coming off a 2-1 win over Seattle, but the Kings struggled to gain momentum. They have yet to snap a three-game winning streak this season.

Key moment

Fabian Zetterlund scored on a wraparound goal with just over six minutes left in the second period to tie the score at 2-2. It was the first of six consecutive unanswered goals by San Jose.

Key statistic

Kopitar has at least one point in 10 of the last 12 games with 16 points over this stretch (three goals, 13 assists).

Following

The Kings host Winnipeg on Wednesday and San Jose hosts Ottawa on Wednesday.