The Free Press’s Dana Garuder substituted for the Free Press’s Helene St. James today, and in addition to discussing today’s theme regarding the second line’s need to find more prolific form, he noted the following regarding Filip Zadina….
Zadina has two points this month after a two-point outing at Toronto on Oct. 30. Coach Jeff Blashill says Zadina doesn’t necessarily have to score to be effective but it’s tough getting that message across to the young Czech, who turns 22 on Saturday.
“He measures himself as a goal scorer,” Blashill said. “That’s when the frustration sets in.”
Zadina has 18 goals in 106 career games and the franchise remains hopeful he’ll become a prolific threat.
“It’s tough on a young guy like that, to go through that,” Fabbri said. “The biggest thing with him is just stay confident and keep playing the way he’s playing.”
And Garuder noted the following comment from coach Blashill regarding the team’s goaltending rotation:
Goaltenders Alex Nedeljkovic and Thomas Greiss have each started 10 games this season, mainly alternating game-by-game. A compacted schedule was part of the reason but it could change now if either gets hot.
“Now that the schedule is lightening up a little bit, if one of them separates themselves, they’ll play a little more,” Blashill said.
Zadina put the pressure on himself, after the Draft. I do like him and hope he can settle down. Even playing with Bert and Larkin, would not Help , JMO. Sending him to the 3rd line would not be good. He will be trade bait in a couple years or less. Hopefully the 2nd line will get some addition(s) next year. Ras and Veleno are good but may be 3rd line candidates. Wait for a week or two, LOL