Three Takeaways From Baby Sharks 3-2 Win Over Baby Utah

The San Jose Sharks' rookies took the ice against the Utah Hockey Club on Friday and came away with a 3-2 win thanks to goals from Luke Grainger, Macklin Celebrini, and Ethan Cardwell.

As a reminder, you don't want to overreact to one game with rookie players, but three things that stood out:

Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith are as good as advertised

Who would have thought the first overall pick was #good at hockey? Celebrini was electric every time he touched the ice today, and it's easy to see what he brings to the organization. Celebrini's ability to read the play, create opportunities for himself and his teammates, and deliver in big moments was on display.

There were so many little wow plays, but this slip pass where he draws two defenders into him and pokes the puck to an open area for Will Smith. Celebrini's understanding of space and pressure are concepts that can't be taught and must be felt.

You saw his ability to create for himself on the game-tying goal when he took a pass from Luca Cagnoni (more on him in a moment), and most players would have just ripped the one-timer. Celebrini freezes the defender by faking a shot, shifting his weight, and then moves past the defender before they realize what is happening.

Celebrini will be a joy to watch this season as he dissects NHL defenses on the fly.

As for Will Smith, he showed puck possession skills and vision, which made him the highest-scoring player in the NCAA last year with Boston College. Smith was calm with the puck, found his linemates, and drove to the net when he had opportunities.

Smith's decision-making was outstanding today. He took what was given to him and put the puck in great spots. These traits will make him a special player in the NHL. Even though it was one game against other rookies, it was encouraging to see Will Smith do Will Smith things.

Luca Cagnoni Szn

While many defensemen played well, Luca Cagnoni shined for the Sharks. Our short king defenseman did what he does best and ran the power play to perfection and constantly created opportunities with his skating and puck handling.

We know that the offensive skills are there with Cagnoni after scoring 90 points this past season with the Portland Winterhawks, but the question will always be, can he play enough defense to make it? He showed a lot of toughness and competed in his zone, where he had some nice board battles and used his size to his advantage more often than not to get better leverage on players to scoop out the puck. It's not like Cagnoni woke up today and was magically 6 inches shorter than everyone else. He's always been shorter and knows how to play defense despite his height.

Cagnoni is one of the most intriguing players in training camp since he competes for an AHL job. He has to be feeling great after today's game.

Barracuda Setting Up For Success

Three players expected to play on the San Jose Barracuda this season shined: Filip Bystedt, Ethan Cardwell, and Gannon Laroque.

Like the projected future lineups, Filip Bystedt was the Sharks' overqualified third-line center and took advantage of his opportunities. He played well in all three zones and had a very nice setup on Ethan Cardwell's game-winning goal.

Cardwell and Bystedt showed instant chemistry last season and picked up right where they left off. They also were the first team penalty-killing unit for the Sharks and could be projected as a pairing for the Cuda when down a man.

Bystedt will likely be playing higher in the lineup with the Barracuda, but showing off the future depth at center with Celebrini, Smith, and Bystedt down the middle was a sight for sore eyes.

Ethan Cardwell, who wore a letter today, is showing why he might be a midround gem for the Sharks. He is a player who can excel in any role asked. Playing on the third line, he didn't get the normal opportunities he had last season, but he took advantage of the ones he got by scoring the game-winner late in the third. Don't be surprised if Cardwell is playing NHL games by the end of the season.

This is shaping up to be the post-hype year for Gannon Laroque. After struggling with injuries over the past two seasons, Laroque looks healthy. He had several great breakout passes, and you also saw pieces of his transition game. He created the first goal by carrying the puck down the boards and finding an open forward on the transition.

If Laroque can stay healthy, he could greatly impact a deep Barracuda defensive group.

The San Jose Sharks continue the Rookie Faceoff on Sunday at 4:30PM against the Anaheim Ducks.