The San Jose Sharks didn’t have high expectations heading into the 2024-25 season, despite having two rookies who could be in the Calder Trophy conversation as the NHL’s best first-year player . Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith should eventually bring big things to the Sharks organization, but It hasn’t been an easy season so far.

Celebrini had a goal and an assist in his NHL debut in the Sharks’ season opener, but he was injured since. Smith, on the other hand, took a little longer to find the scoresheet.

It is also missing a few games, Smith finally scored not one, but two goals to launch his career. Smith helped lead the Sharks’ 2-7-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks by scoring, including the game-winning goal.

Early in the first period, Smith found a ton of open space on the ice following a battle with the puck. Defenseman Cody Ceci was able to get the puck to forward Luke Kunin who found Smith wide open across the ice.

Smith settled the pass and had time to beat Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek over his right shoulder. Smith gave the Sharks a 1-0 lead, but he hadn’t finished there.

In the second period, while on the power play, Smith was able to show off his precision. Late in a power play situation, Smith again found himself with some room to position himself, this time above the faceoff circles.

Smith fired a perfectly placed wrist shot that most of the Blackhawks didn’t think he’d hit. The puck never hit the back of the net, but instead hit the crossbar before hitting the post straight and just barely crossing the goal line.

The puck bounced into the goal zone, but the officials immediately called a goal and the Sharks had a 3-2 lead.

Smith’s two goals were his first career points and helped the Sharks to their third win of the season. His second game-winner will hopefully open the table for much more success in his NHL career.

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