For the first time in his career, San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro is playing meaningful NHL games in the month of March.<\/p>\n
Over the past few seasons, the Sharks defenseman\u2019s name has been floated<\/a> during the buildup to the NHL Trade Deadline<\/a>. This year is no different, but the noise is quieter. The 27-year-old is a pending UFA at season\u2019s end, and very well could be moved at the deadline.<\/p>\n The San Jose Sharks dropped their first game out of the Olympic break, but have responded with two straight wins to stay in the race. For Ferraro, these games are the most fun.<\/p>\n \u201cMeaningful hockey is fun hockey. Winning is always fun, but it\u2019s even more fun when you\u2019re chasing a playoff spot. You have a direction. You\u2019re chasing the playoffs while you\u2019re trying to win, you\u2019re trying to get a look at the championship,\u201d Ferraro said. \u201cWhereas maybe in previous years, it was for development and feeling good about the team getting better. Now, we\u2019re getting better when we win games and play better, but we\u2019re chasing something now, and so it feels good. I\u2019m happy to be a part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ferraro\u2019s importance to the team on the ice may be better supported this season, but the d-man remains an alternate captain. The arrival of veterans and Macklin Celebrini<\/a> has helped shoulder some of the weight needed during big moments. Ferraro isn\u2019t alone on an island anymore.<\/p>\n \u201cGames are harder to win at this time of year. These last two wins are big. They\u2019re important for our confidence. Edmonton is a team, and Winnipeg is a team; they\u2019re fighting for a spot, right?\u201d Ferraro said. \u201cThey\u2019re competitive games, and to be able to win those at home in front of our fans is good for our confidence, but also, to prove to ourselves that we\u2019re in this race and we deserve to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n