He's not a problem, nor is he a solution per say. He fills an important role on the team, and he can go head to head against the best players in the world and will reliably shut them down.
He was snake bit earlier in the season, when he played with Radulov. He had a few scoring chances and he couldn't convert on them. Yesterday, his scoring chance from the slot should have been a goal. But the confidence likely isn't there right now.
Thing is, where you can expect Galchenyuk, Danault and Mitchell to slow down eventually (Mitchell has already been a lot quieter ever since Danault got promoted), you can also expect Plekanec to pick up the pace eventually. He's still a safe bet for a 40-50 points season, especially if he gets some consistent PP minutes.
Is that ideal from your 2C? Ideally, you'd want him to generate more offense, not only for himself, but for his linemates. That's been one of Plekanec's biggest weakness throughout his career. He has a hard time making his linemates better, creating offense for someone else. He cannot be the catalyst of his own line. That's why he was great with Kovalev and meshed well with a Pacioretty at the top of his game. That's why I wanted him with Radulov to start the year, although this boat has sailed considering the chemistry between Galchenyuk and Radulov.
If Pacioretty doesn't work well with Danault at some point down the line, I think you have to give another shot to the Pacioretty - Plekanec - Gallagher line.
Now he's almost our Desharnais. 
