Progress in the National Hockey League doesn’t always show up right away. Sometimes it’s not about wins or losses. It’s about how you respond when games start to slip.

For the San Jose Sharks, that response has started to change. Timothy Liljegren has seen it firsthand.

“You can kind of notice that we don’t give up in games,” Liljegren said. Even when things don’t start their way, the fight stays. He pointed to comebacks and efforts as proof that this group isn’t checking out when the score gets a bit lopsided.

The Sharks are still a young team. Still learning. Still trying to find their place in the league.

“We’re a hard-working team trying to find our way in the league,” he said.

That process hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been more competitive than a year ago. Liljegren admits there’s still growth ahead, but the difference is noticeable.

“I think there’s still some learning points we can learn, for sure,” he said. “But overall, we’re just more competitive this year than we were last year.”

One of the biggest improvements has come late in games. Last season, third periods were a problem. Leads didn’t last. This year, that’s started to change.

“Last year we were up in a lot of games and lost in the third period,” Liljegren said. “I think this year we’ve been more mature in the way we play with how we close out games.”

That maturity has mattered. Its what connects the team.

“We’ve got some extra points because of it,” he added.

While the team continues to grow together, Liljegren’s season has followed a similar path. Not linear. Not perfect.

“I feel like it’s been a little bit up and down,” he said. After a strong start, consistency has been the focus. When his game is right, he knows exactly what it looks like.“When I play my best, I move my feet. I have good first passes and joining the rush, you know, with a purpose,” he said.

And when it’s not there, he feels that too. “At times when I struggle, I kind of get a little bit fast-footed and react instead of acting,” Liljegren explained.

That awareness is part of the process. As the Sharks lean on young stars to lead the way and continue shaping their identity, Liljegren is doing the same. He’s learning, adjusting, and growing into his role.

Nothing about rebuilding is easy. It takes patience. It takes maturity. But for the San Jose Sharks, the effort is there. And now, the belief is starting to match it.