When you dig into the numbers, both 3rd pair options have been about break-even in expected goals and slightly positive in goals, but with Valimaki they both create and allow a lot more.
Zadorov-Gudbranson (145:36 TOI): 1.72 xGF/60, 1.70 xGA/60
Valimaki-Gudbranson (103:28 TOI): 2.58 xGF/60, 2.65 xGA/60
Doesn't shock me at all that Sutter would prefer the more defensively-solid pair. IMO a big part of our defensive success this year has been defending the middle of the ice well and not allowing screens and rebounds, and having that kind of size on the third pair contributes a lot to that. It also seems like our style of play helps cover up for a mediocre puck-mover, not sure exactly what but I've noticed a lot fewer bad turnovers than in past years.
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