Against a Stanley Cup contender in the Maple Leafs, the Sharks came back from a 2-0 third-period deficit to win in a shootout. They followed that performance with a 6-2 trouncing of the Sabres, leaving Buffalo — which had high expectations coming into the season — re-evaluating things going into Friday’s trade deadline.

San Jose Sharks goaltender Vitek Vanecek (41) dives as he is scored on by Ottawa Senators’ Tim Stutzle, bottom right, after getting caught out of his crease, during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Ottawa,

Rookie center Macklin Celebrini has been steadfast in staying upbeat amidst a losing season in which the young, rebuilding San Jose Sharks are in jeopardy of finishing last in the NHL standings for a second consecutive year.

Macklin Celebrini grabbed a glove full of pucks. The horn had just sounded to end warm-ups at Scotiabank Arena. The ice crew patiently waited as the San Jose Sharks rookie collected his haul and divided the souvenirs between a group of fans pressed along the glass.