Ferraro believes, “We’re going to win a hockey game in Utah.”

SALT LAKE CITY – Mario Ferraro has experienced many defeats.

But through it all, he has maintained a winning attitude.

“We're going to get our first win in Utah,” Ferraro said Saturday night after the San Jose Sharks were defeated 7-3 by the Vegas Golden Knights.

This seemed like no small “guarantee”: The Sharks are 0-7-2, and they are the first team in NHL history to start back-to-back seasons with nine straight losses.

Did Ferraro really want to guarantee victory?

“What did you want me to say that we were going to go in and lose? No, we will win. I believe in that. We’re going to do that tomorrow,” Ferraro said defiantly Sunday, on the eve of the San Jose Sharks’ first-ever game against the Utah Hockey Club. “Maybe you don’t believe it. Maybe the audience won't believe it, and that's okay. We’re not interested in that.”

The deputy captain reiterated: “We don’t care what the outside world thinks. We know what they're thinking. We’re going to win a hockey game tomorrow.”

San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky liked Ferraro's attitude: “We have to believe we can win before we actually win.” We need some belief that we can get the job done. I think that's a good attitude. I don't think it's bulletin board material. We have to take care of ourselves.”

So maybe it's more of a belief than a guarantee.

But does the rest of the team believe like Ferraro? We thank the irrepressible defender, who has been called the heartbeat of the team in recent seasons, for putting himself on the line with his comments.

Ferraro, 26, was unfortunate enough to debut with the San Jose Sharks in 2019-20 as their long window was approaching. In another era, he could easily have been Brent Burns' partner in his Norris Trophy run or an underrated star like Justin Braun.

But instead, Ferraro was born a little too late: He and his Sharks have never seen the playoffs.

“The young man has been through a lot in his NHL career. He lost a lot of hockey games, which takes a toll on you mentally. I don’t care what sport you play,” Warsofsky said. “He carries a letter and tries to grow as a leader. He's trying to grow as a player. He's in a tough spot, so I feel for him. He shows up and works every day with a smile on his face. He is in great condition. He gives everything he has, he cares.”

There is no doubt about it: Ferraro is a winner. He's just never done it, at least not in the NHL. Hopefully he'll make it to the San Jose Sharks soon.