Monday Chum Bucket: Petrecki to Worcester for conditioning stint

With eight healthy defensemen on the roster in the wake of Jason Demers‘ return, the Sharks reassigned Nick Petrecki to Worcester on a “conditioning stint,” meaning he doesn’t have to clear waivers and technically continues to occupy a roster spot. [Working the Corners]
Todd McLellan on James Sheppard’s role with the second line: “Clowe is a big body, Cooch moves the puck around, and we need a skater there with them. We need somebody that can create some speed and energy. If Shep can do that, then he’s the right guy. If he isn’t, we’ll find the right people.” It will never not be amazing that Cooch is Couture’s actual nickname. [CSN Bay Area]
Douglas Murray appears to have stayed in the lineup over Matt Irwin by virtue of his penalty killing ability. [CSN Bay Area]
The Sharks stand alone atop this week’s power rankings. [ESPN]
Five hilarious early season trends, including one involving Scott Gomez. [Backhand Shelf]
Poor Devin Setoguchi has been dropped to Minnesota’s fourth line. He has just ten shots on goal (none of which have gone in) through eight games this season. [Pro Hockey Talk]
All hockey writers should quit now, according to Ryan Lambert who dissects an insightful exposé on the Detroit Red Wings‘ real issues. [Two Line Pass]
Sports Illustrated uncovers an angle to these Luongo trade rumors that no one thought of before, reporting that he could get traded to Vancouver. [Pass It To Bulis]
San Jose’s PDO regressed over the past week but they still managed to lose just once. [NHL Numbers]

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