SAN JOSE >> No one will argue that the Sharks, even without rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini, are a much better all-around team right now than they were last season.

Now, the 2024-25 Sharks, set to embark on their first road trip of the season, need to learn how to execute offensively in critical moments.

Facing the Anaheim Ducks in their second game of the year Saturday, the Sharks looked poised in their defensive zone, (mostly) took good care of the puck, and showed they could be an effective forechecking team.

But a big third-period goal proved elusive for the second straight game as Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal made 30 saves to help hand the Sharks a 2-0 loss before an announced crowd of 17,016 at SAP Center.

Anaheim’s Isac Lundestrom broke a 0-0 tie with a goal at the 11:00 mark of the third period, and Trevor Zegras added an empty-netter with 1:35 left in regulation. The Sharks were also outscored by three goals in the third period of Thursday’s 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues.

The Sharks had 10 shots on Dostal in the third period but also went 0-for-3 on the power play, extending their October winless streak to 12 games. Since a 4-3 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 27, 2022, the Sharks are 0-10-2 in October games.

The Sharks begin a three-game road trip with games Tuesday against the Dallas Stars and Thursday against Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks.

The soonest Celebrini (lower-body injury) can return is Friday’s game in Winnipeg. However, it appears the 2024 No. 1 overall pick will have to miss more time than that, as Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky described his status as being week-to-week.

“We’ve just got to learn how to win,” Sharks center Nico Sturm said.

“I can think of a lot of good things in these first two games, and we’re going to stay on the gas pedal.”

VANECEK SHINES >> Sharks goalie Vitek Vanecek, making his first start in over eight months after he had groin surgery in the spring, stopped the first 27 shots he faced Saturday before Lundestrom scored on a Ducks’ odd man rush.

On the play, Will Smith skated to check Brock McGinn, leaving three Sharks players on one side of the ice and Lundestrom open in the slot.