Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith will play on the same line for the first time in their NHL career against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith will play on the same line for the first time in their NHL career against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The duo were on the same powerplay unit against the New York Rangers, but now they will be with Barclay Goodrow for five-on-five situations. 

With two rookies on the same line, head coach Ryan Warsofsky said defense first was the message. 

"They're obviously two really skilled players. I hope they're responsible defensively and not cheating the game because I think a team like this, and whenever the matchup they're going to go up against, it'll make them pay. That was the first message," Warsofsky said. 

The head coach also hopes the duo can provide some much-needed offense.

"When we have the puck, hold on to it and try to make some plays," Warsofsky said. "I've always said, don't take the stick out of their hand, and we're going to make sure they're responsible defensively. Then, when they get in that offensive zone or on the rush, they can find some chemistry."

Goodrow is one of the Sharks' best penalty killers and one of the leading veterans that Warsofsky likes to lean on in challenging situations. Putting him with the rookies is a good idea on paper. 

"He's been amazing for us," Celebrini said about Goodrow. "Just the way he leads. The way he plays every night. He just shows you how to do things the right way, how to approach the game, how to be a pro as well."

The Sharks have lost two in a row after starting the four-game road trip with a 1-0 win against the New Jersey Devils.

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