Sharks Captain Macklin Celebrini Will Be A Game-Time Decision Against Blues

After losing to the Connor Bedard-less Chicago Blackhawks, the St. Louis Blues could face the Macklin Celebrini-less San Jose Sharks.

Celebrini was a late scratch on Monday against the Dallas Stars, where the Sharks lost 5-0, and tonight, Celebrini's participation is in jeopardy.

The 20-year-old captain did partake in the optional skate this morning, but his status for tonight's game against the Blues is a game-time decision. Celebrini did not participate in any of the previous two team practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

It's an encouraging sign for the Sharks, but nothing is definitive yet.

As for the Blues, taking on a Celebrini-less Sharks is a much more favorable matchup, but if Tuesday's loss to the Blackhawks proves anything, it's that any NHL team can beat another on any given night. 

The Blackhawks hosted the Blues with a 0-3-0 record and 15 goals against, but they limited the Blues to just two goals and 27 shots. 

The Sharks have a 2-1-0 record, but they are allowing four goals a game and 29 shots. Despite off-season blueline additions, they remain vulnerable defensively.

Without Celebrini, they are also vulnerable offensively. Against the Stars, the Sharks mustered just 13 shots on goal. Even without Celebrini, the Sharks still boast a forward group of Will Smith, Michael Misa, Ivar Stenberg, Igor Chernyshov, Colin Graf, and other veterans, so it's no free pass.

The Blues are still looking to get some players going, notably the top line of Robert Thomas, Dylan Holloway, and Jimmy Snuggerud. They'll convert chances soon, and tonight against the Sharks is another opportunity to do so. 

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