you don't hate the player. you don't like the skill set. you feel the same about alzner as you do orpik. the difference is orpik has the contract and alzner is approaching it.
It's more about lack of skillset than anything. Having the ability to transition is huge in today's NHL and I just can't get behind giving Alzner an Orpik-type contract without this ability. He's very much a one-zone player which is fine, if he's paid like one (~$4M similar to Tanev or Hjalmarsson).
Orlov has let you down. I know that you expected a lot more. You expected his numbers to go up not down. I also believe that playing with Orlov would not have downward pressure on Carlson's offense. Meaning some really strong blue line production.
You have this weird tone to your posts: txpd the hypnotist, soothsayer, therapist?
Aside from last night Orlov has been mostly fine especially given his increased ice time and lack of sheltering. I agree that 9-74 probably isn't the best pairing and maybe it's hurting them both.
I agree that it is approaching time to address the situation on defense. I don't think making Niskanen the stay at home dman is the way to go. He relies on Alzner's strength and positioning to play his game. Put a skater/puck mover with him and you are asking him to play a game he has never played in his career. Much like what has happened putting Carlson with Orlov.
Orlov and Schmidt can work as a 3rd pair because they can be kept away from top offensive lines and Schmidt can play stay at home. He did that last season with Orlov. He is just not strong like Orpik or Alzner or even Chorney.
food for thought
Niskanen isn't the greatest in transition (open ice, specifically), his primary strength is defense IMO. He prevents goals against and has a really smart first pass from the boards. Orlov seems to struggle with this first pass (see: last night's second goal against), he is much better at zone-entries and skating with the puck in open ice (see: his goal against LA last year and his assist to Kuzy against the Blues last week).
Niskanen has evolved into a very strong defensive player and I think it makes sense to pair him with someone who can carry the puck better than he can. Niskanen's never going to be the guy to go end to end (unless the seas part like his goal against the Flyers last regular season) so I don't really see this hurting him individually.
Meanwhile, Alzner would probably be an excellent match for Carlson given their skillsets. Carlson is stronger in transition than Niskanen, but weaker defensively. So why not pair him with a guy who is weak in transition but strong defensively?