Macklin Celebrini Makes History as First NHL Player to Score on Olympic Penalty Shot
Teenage forward becomes first NHL player to score on an Olympic penalty shot as Canada storms into quarterfinals
Canada, Feb 16 : Macklin Celebrini etched his name into Olympic history on Sunday at Santagiulia Arena, becoming the first NHL player to convert a penalty shot at the Winter Games. The 19 year old centre, who plays for the San Jose Sharks, delivered the milestone moment against France during Canada’s final preliminary round clash.
Celebrini was awarded the penalty attempt after being hooked by French defenceman Florian Chakiachvili on a clear breakaway. Showing composure beyond his years, he deked forehand to backhand before lifting the puck over goaltender Julian Junca’s blocker at 17:16 of the second period, stretching Canada’s lead to 5-1.
The historic strike capped a dominant outing for the young forward, who finished with two goals and an assist. He concluded the group stage with four goals in three games, underlining his rapid rise on the international stage.
Canada’s Offensive Masterclass
France briefly levelled the contest just 13 seconds after Tom Wilson opened the scoring, but Canada quickly regained control. Devon Toews restored the lead midway through the first period, and Mark Stone added a shorthanded goal in the final seconds of the frame.
Cale Makar extended the advantage on the power play before Celebrini’s landmark penalty shot and a rapid follow up from Sidney Crosby put the game beyond doubt heading into the third.
The final period turned into a scoring parade, with Connor McDavid, Bo Horvat, Brandon Hagel and Celebrini adding to the tally as Canada sealed a commanding victory.
Crosby Sets National Record
Captain Crosby also achieved a personal milestone, surpassing Jarome Iginla to become Canada’s all-time leading Olympic scorer among NHL participants with 16 career points.
Goaltender Jordan Binnington made 12 saves as Canada completed the preliminary round unbeaten at 3-0. The emphatic goal differential secured the top seed and a direct berth in the quarterfinals, with the medal round set to begin Wednesday.
Celebrini’s Olympic penalty shot will be remembered as a defining moment not just for a rising star, but for NHL history on the sport’s biggest stage.
