In this post Josh and I had started having the discussion over our three most physical defensemen - how they compare to one another, and who (in our estimation) has been the weakest link thus far.  I think the discussion has been good (with Josh using his wealth of stats and me going mostly on intuition and the ever reliable eyeball test) I would like to continue the discussion here - hopefully with more community involvement.

With all that being said, please hit the above linked post and take a look at all that has transpired thus far...

And now to continue:

I expect them to be able to play defense.

Neither Fistric or Pardy can. Grossman has in the past, but he’s taking so many penalties that any (this season) small positive he’s added defensively is completely negated by how many goals he’s given away by needless penalties.

Pardy and Fistric play the easiest defensive minutes of the Stars defensemen.

With Goligoski out there are three defensemen that Gulutzan has been starting in the offensive zone the most. Adam Pardy, Mark Fistric, and Grossman. He doesn’t appear to trust them either.

As for Fistric, he’s only ever had one good season, and that is the outlier in his career. He’s never played tough competition, and he’s never been counted on to play defensive zone minutes consistently by, now, three coaching staffs. He isn’t very good.

The biggest issue for me is this: Fistric can at least play passable defense; Pardy looks to be a member of the Woywitka school of defense.