San Jose Sharks: Reasons Why the Team Is Playing Playoff Hockey

You can call it desperation, or you can call it panic, but the San Jose Sharks are playing terrific hockey right now.  It just happens to be at the exact right time, as well, as the Sharks are in an ever-changing playoff scenario with five other teams to make the NHL playoffs.

San Jose Sharks: Emotions Aside, Galiardi and Winnik Make Team Stronger

It was quite an emotional day in San Jose on Monday.  The Sharks were still in the air flying home from one of the worst road stretches in recent memory not knowing what trade deadline deals were ongoing for the team, Rick Nash-related or not.

It turned out that Jamie McGinn was the odd man out, but not in a Nash deal.  McGinn had been traded to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for left wingers T.J. Galiardi and Daniel Winnik.

San Jose Sharks Acquire Daniel Winnik and T.J. Galiardi From Colorado Avalanche

The San Jose Sharks have made a move with less than an hour left before the NHL Trade Deadline.  They have acquired left wingers Daniel Winnik and T.J. Galiardi and a 7th round pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for winger Jamie McGinn.

McGinn is in the midst of his best season as a professional, earning 12 goals and 12 assists this season.  He was due to become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2012 season.