Any idea how many minutes per grouping? The eye test matches closer to his actual scoring results, no? 5v5 or PP he is an anchor. A bottom 6 player.
GZP: 56 minutes 5on5
MLB: 67 minutes 5on5
MLP: 54 minutes 5on5
ZLP: 72 minutes 5on5
My eye test is that the Geekie-Zacha-Pasta line has been good. They consistently outplay their matchup. They get glorious chances every game. Look at Detroit, Pasta was alone in front 3 or 4 times, Geekie had a great chance that didn't quite squeak thru the 5hole, and he also had a nice cross ice spin-pass to Zacha.
I feel like that line (and the 2nd line to a lesser extent) is really due to start scoring.
I do agree that they (Z&P) would be better with a more productive player and eventually, they will need to swap Geekie out with a higher end talent if they really want to make some noise, but short of trying Brazeau there, I don't see a better option on this team at the moment.