Yes, even given the coach who stresses LH-RH combos.
That's his preference, obviously, but A) Holland makes the call on who is on the roster, and B) it's not like they had been running Marchenko out there all season. The organization obviously likes Marchenko (as do I), and also considers his RH shot a plus, but I don't see that being enough to bench Smith, even given Smith's warts. And especially after acquiring Zidlicky.
While I do understand swapping Smith for Ericsson because last year Kronwall and Smith had success, but right now it's a lateral movement IMO. It may even be going backwards considering the amount of penalties Smith is taking. More IT could translate to more penalties. As it stands right now, Quincey, DeKeyser and Marchenko are the only ones worthy of playing in the top pair. Having two RHS in the top 4 would be advantageous as well.Kronwall - Smith
Dekeyser - Zidlicky
Quincey - Marchenko
Kindl
Ericsson
Ericsson is brutal. Its never going to happen, but I dont think he should be anywhere near the lineup.
Ericsson is signed til 2020. He's big, and heavy, and realgud.
He ain't coming out of the lineup anytime soon. Hell he can look like garbage for over a month, and not even be in danger of getting bumped down a pairing.
Ken Holland said 2 days ago on 105.1 that it is Babcock's call.
Sources:
http://kuklaskorner.com/tmr/comment...dline-moves-talks-about-the-next-generation-o
Noted.
I still don't see it happening though. Marchenko just isn't at a point to unseat Smith. Furthermore, putting Marchenko on the roster means promoting Zidlicky to a bigger role than the Wings prefer to put him in.
Marchenko outplayed Smith in every game he dressed for. I would play him on the top pair and not flinch.
Looking at team stats for even strength goals against per 60 for the season, Kronwall and Ericsson are the worst. Smith and Marchenko in the middle. DeKeyser and Quincey (and Zidlicky) are pretty good. Ouellet and Kindl are the best.
If you look at players league-wide that have played 500 mins or more this season at even strength, DeKeyser ranks 24th, Quincey 26th, Kronwall 85th, Ericsson 104th
Then you flip it around and look at goals for per 60 and DeKeyser is ranked 85th, Quincey 115th, Ericsson 139th, Kronwall 147th.
And putting it all together, the goals for percentage, or the ratio between goals scored and goals let in, DeKeyser 32nd, Quincey 54th, Kronwall 129th, Ericsson 139th.
Of course, you have to look at who they're playing against too. But it looks like the top pair is struggling at even strength.
Is Kindl our best Dman?
PS it shows DeKeyser is better than both Quincey and Ericsson.
Ken Holland said 2 days ago on 105.1 that it is Babcock's call.
Sources:
http://kuklaskorner.com/tmr/comment...dline-moves-talks-about-the-next-generation-o
The other team doesn't score as many even strength goals when Kindl is on the ice. I don't know if I can explain it, but that's what the stats are telling me.
Still think I'd rather see a DeKeyser-Zidlicky pairing. DeKeyser is more than capable of covering up some of Z's defensive deficiencies. Smith... not so much.
Is this the happy medium that Babcock and Holland were trying to reach? Good on Holland for trusting his coach. But a bit weird to see a GM give the coach part of the reigns.
Could be good for the future. Could be bad. It's interesting for sure, however.
Kronwall - Smith
Dekeyser - Zidlicky
Quincey - Marchenko
Kindl
Ericsson
Ericsson is brutal. Its never going to happen, but I dont think he should be anywhere near the lineup.