I'm pulling for Valimaki as much as anyone, but Zadorov has been pretty solid.
Ranks on the Flames blueline
CA60 1st
SA60 2nd
xGA60 2nd
SCA60 1st
HDCA60 7th
He's doing what he's advertised to do defensively.
Offensively the splits between both players is pretty close. Really comes down to Valimaki ...
CA60 7th
SA60 7th
xGA60 7th
SCA60 8th
HDCA60 4th
... defending better to the point where his offence can help. Not sure you dress the offensive guy on the third pairing until he breaks even the defense.
But he'll need time, and one game isn't going to do it. Hopefully the former team angle is the explanation.
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