Jets Begin California Back-To-Back With Duel Against Macklin Celebrini and The Sharks

The Winnipeg Jets begin a California back-to-back against rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks.

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Tonight will be the second matchup between the Jets and Sharks this season, but the first time the Jets will play the Sharks with Celebrini. The 18-year-old rookie has scored 10 goals and 20 points in his first 21 games. His offensive play has been excellent, but where he's impressed a lot of people is his play without the puck. He's winning puck battles at an extremely high rate and is winning 50% of his face-offs.

The Sharks are rejuvenated with the additions of Celebrini and Will Smith but are still a young team struggling to pick up wins on a consistent basis. They're vulnerable defensively and can be streaky offensively despite improvements since last year.

The Minnesota Wild remain a point behind the Jets for first place in the Central Division and tonight's game is a great opportunity to separate themselves despite the Wild having a game in hand.

The Jets enter tonight's contest with a 4-5-1 record in their last 10 games but took care of business against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. With two assists, Josh Morrissey extended his point streak to four games, giving him three goals and 30 points on the season.

Connor Hellebuyck will get the start tonight for the Jets and he'll match up with Alexandar Georgiev for the Sharks.

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