I guess we have different definitions of "fine defensively". I believe his brain farts and tendency to get caught out of position should keep him out of the "fine defensively" category. I think that should be reserved for more consistent players.
I think you are being too critical on Petry and not comparing it to other D man who have the same giveaway to takeaway ratio who you would consider much better. Stats from Fantrax.com and you can question the accuracy if you wish. Same concern applies equally to all players.
Petry:
- 79 Blocks in 51 games (1.55/game)
- 138 Hits in 51 games (2.71/game)
- 74 Giveaways in 51 games (1.45/game)
- 18 Takeaways in 51 games (0.35/game)
- 937 Blocks in 578 Career NHL games (1.62/game)
- 1174 Hits in 578 Career NHL games (2.03/game)
- 937 Giveaways in 578 Career NHL games (1.62/game)
- 674 Takeaways in 578 Career NHL games (1.17/game)
Doughty:
- 73 Blocks in 50 games (1.46/game)
- 105 Hits in 50 games (2.10/game)
- 73 Giveaways in 50 games (1.46/game)
- 10 Takeaways in 50 games (0.20/game)
- 1057 Blocks in 820 Career NHL games (1.29/game)
- 1454 Hits in 820 Career NHL games (1.77/game)
- 823 Giveaways in 820 Career NHL games (1.00/game)
- 202 Takeaways in 820 Career NHL games (0.25/game)
Muzzin:
- 92 Blocks in 50 games (1.84/game)
- 111 Hits in 50 games (2.22/game)
- 59 Giveaways in 50 games (1.18/game)
- 9 Takeaways in 50 games (0.18/game)
- 693 Blocks in 496 Career NHL games (1.40/game)
- 1087 Hits in 496 Career NHL games (2.19/game)
- 411 Giveaways in 496 Career NHL games (0.83/game)
- 95 Takeaways in 496 Career NHL games (0.19/game)