I think he's been very effective with and without the puck. Hasn't had any offensive success or anything but I've noticed he's really aware defensively, makes a lot of small but important plays to keeping possession, or stealing it back, and had a great rush to the net one on play.
Enoch Root summed up my thoughts on him nicely:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
Lazar: one of the nice things about being at the game is that you can focus on individual players. And I watched Lazar closely. I agree that he did little offensively, but he was greatly defensively. Always in good position, always making smart plays, and some fantastic back-checking. I believe he would be great on Backlund's line. Their offence would drop a little, but it would free up Tkachuk to play with Bennett (or Monahan) and even out the lines. I know people want to see offence, but I think Lazar is being under-rated by many fans for what he brings defensively. I think he will be in the opening lineup.
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