Delicious Dangles*
Guest
Bang on.i've been a franson hater, but i think he's been doing really well this year. his big problem was his huge blunders and he's not making as many of those. when he's paired with a stay at home defender, he's more effective and less of a liability (that's why he looked good with fraser too).
When there is defensive structure and somebody with a complimentary style who stays back and covers for him, and he keeps his feet moving, he can be effective. When he stops skating and has a defensive partner that pushes offensively, he is nothing short of a disaster.
Him and Phaneuf are so slow, but they have a similar defensive style and are playing much more conservatively, so it's working. Basically, the goal is stay back, angle incoming players to the side, and then just squish and hold them against the boards so that you can overwhelm them with numbers and take possession. They are both big, strong, physical guys, and this year are being supported by more players that can win puck battles, so it works.
The problem is, can we afford a long-term high salary deal for somebody that has been so historically inconsistent, doesn't fit with many players on our team, and NEEDS certain types of partners and players to not be a disaster.
In addition, if his speed is this bad now, what will his speed be like as he gets older? If he loses the ability to keep up with and angle off players coming into the zone, he loses essentially all of his defensive ability.
That's when you have Schenn.
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