Petterson, POJ, and Smith/Friedman/Ruhwedel is not a Cup contending LD, no matter how many times people say it is. They're adequate in what they do, so this isn't me saying they suck before someone starts putting those words in my mouth. But they're none of them are ideally what you'd want on your top pairing getting 22 minutes a night in the playoffs against the best of the best.
Meanwhile, a Blueger-level 3C who handles the defensive chores while chipping in around 30 points is more than adequate (not great, but not a hindrance) for a contender. Especially if a rested (ie. less often used) Carter can provide some scoring spark from the 4C hole.