Sharks Find Silver Lining on Playoff Brink

The Sharks teeter on the edge of missing the playoffs, but their front office whispers that this season's rebuild has exceeded quiet expectations in San Jose. GMs around the league have noticed how the young core has gelled faster than anyone predicted, turning a lottery-bound squad into a gritty contender. With one game left to salvage pride, they carry momentum that could reshape their offseason plans.