from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

Apparently, all the Sharks needed in order to right the ship was a little internal chaos. Maybe they're one of those teams that can only operate in a state of disharmony. Whatever it is -- the threat of a Patrick Marleau trade, or something else -- the Sharks are cooking.

They erased a 3-1 third-period deficit against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday and won going away, 5-3. It was the Sharks' sixth straight win and completed a perfect six-game road trip, the first-ever for the team. The win also vaulted the Sharks into top spot in the Pacific Division, with the Los Angeles Kings being upended by the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday.

The division may well be the home of the most mediocre hockey in the league, but as we head into the second quarter of the season it does make for some terrific drama. And you have to wonder about Marleau -- who had three goals and three assists on the road trip -- and whether the trade talk will die down or increases his perceived value to other teams.

more on the Sharks from the ESPN hockey crew...