wgknestrick
Registered User
- Aug 14, 2012
- 5,962
- 2,878
Agreed. I'd also hope it'd lead to moving Zucker because he's just not been a good fit there, and he's not really needed on the 3rd. Or, conversely, move ZAR and demote Zuck, but I don't think that's going to happen just because of the cap hit.
ZAR is way better than Zucker. ZAR is great because he can neutralize ANY L1 with Blueger and McGinn which leaves Crosby and Malkin's line with a focus on L2-L3 domination. If you are playing ZAR against a L3, then yes he has little value because he's neutralizing a small threat. I still want everyone here to understand that ZAR still outscores whatever opposition he is played against (58% GF% this season) while also having the most DZone starts and fewest offensive zone (his entire line does). He looks terrible doing it, flubs tons of chances, but still outscores and that is all that matters. When he's off the ice that line does score slightly more, but unfortunately also gets scored on WAY more. Net negative.
He helps drag McGinn and Blues (The 2 lowest red boxes) up towards the positive area while also having TOUGH assignments. There is absolutely value in that and that line keeps us from hating Crosby and Malkin's lines. They are too old to consistently win against top playoff L1s any more.
The most worrisome forwards are Simon, Carter, and Zucker with respect of actually outscoring the other team. Simon and Zucker don't really have any upside IMO, and Carter can hopefully get back to last year's form on Malkin's wing.