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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 02.07.19
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RPK
1:31
Does management really believe this group can make a long playoff run?  Too many no-shows on a regular basis if you ask me.
Jason Mackey
1:32
Yeah, I think they do. And I don't think they're wrong. But I do think there's a legitimate concern about the no-shows. They know those need to stop. Making it happen, of course, is a different story.
Larry in KY
1:32
Now days athletes in general seem to be running the zoo, or perhaps making their team into a zoo.  Besides the Steelers circus, the Pens have athletes that can go through the motions (Brassard and Sheahan come to mind) and just claim they have "lost their confidence".  Can each team declare the team's "confidence level" before the game so fans can decide whether to watch or retire early?
Jason Mackey
1:33
Ha. I think you're trying to take the human element out of sports, Larry. Turn it into stratomatic baseball. I think it's one of the things that makes sports great. You don't know. And, yeah, sometimes you get guys pissed about their roles or lack of roles. I think that's probably why you saw them traded, no?
Sydney Beagle
1:33
Do you still think the Penguins kept the right goalie? Murray is fragile at best physically and gives up a lot of easy goals. I remember not too long ago when MAF was winning those games for the Pens - especially when scoring was a problem. They sent MAF to a shrink when he had a rough patch.
Jason Mackey
1:35
Oh, no. Again. Yes, I think they kept the right goalie. A 23-year-old at the time who won two Cups who made significantly less than the other guy? Every GM in the league makes the decision to go Murray > Fleury. I still think it was the right decision, to be honest. And there's no way anybody could have predicted Murray getting hurt THIS much. Fleury is a great goalie, but keep in mind the situation he's in there; Vegas is way better in front of him than the Penguins often are in front of Murray.
Matt
1:35
Hey Jason, question about Murrays injuries. Do you think it's time for him to defend his area a bit more? When flower was here you would see him give a little slash between a players legs or a chop to the back of the skates. Nothing to injure, just enough to defend his area. Is that something Murray should work on or does he already do it? Thanks.
Jason Mackey
1:35
He already does some of it, to be honest. A couple games ago he was basically throwing body checks. I don't think Murray swatting people with his stick is going to ensure he doesn't get hurt. But I do think he should stand up for himself, which he does do.
bill from Va
1:36
No. 7 centering the 2nd line? yikes  Dont you think it would be better to give number 53 a try there ? Seems he has more upside ... I have been really disappointed in Malkin but cant wait to get him back asap if this is the other option....thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:36
I agree. I like Matt Cullen on this team. Always have. But as a fourth-line center. I'd actually prefer Bjugstad there and to wait on moving him to wing. But if you're dead set on it, I'd go McCann or Blueger. I would worry about throwing Blueger, so early in his career, next to Phil. That could be bad.
LN
1:36
Hi Jason, great article on Brassard!  It seems he felt like an outsider when he was here and never felt a part of the team?
Jason Mackey
1:37
Yeah, I think that's fairly accurate. And thanks! I just don't think he ever felt like he fit, and I think that probably got into his head a little bit more than it should have.
LN
1:37
Watching that trade go down on Friday and the players getting to the rink was fun as a fan.  What was that like covering that behind the scenes?
Jason Mackey
1:38
Same as you, honestly. I was excited because it was such a neat, weird story. As I've said many times here, I couldn't get care less if they win or love. I'm objective. But I do love when I can write about something fun like that.
Guest
1:38
About time Brassard got back on the Banana Boat. He had such a horrible attitude. Was he ever rude to you?
Jason Mackey
1:39
Never. Brassard -- never more so than the past couple days -- was also very good to deal with. I don't think he was a malcontent. I think people are characterizing him that way. I think he felt like he didn't fit here.
Matt
1:39
I remember asking you about this a few chats back but after listening to you on the fan morning show today is it finally time we see 59 87 72 back together again?
Jason Mackey
1:40
That's what I would do. Tonight, were I making out the lineup, I'd go: Guentzel-Crosby-Hornqvist ... Rust-Bjugstad-Kessel ... Pearson-Blueger-Simon ... McCann-Cullen-Wilson. ... I'm not expecting Malkin to play.
James
1:40
Can you help me make sense of the Bras trade?  They didn't get faster or more skilled or that were scoring?  Seems like they gained underperforming players.  With FA's being so inexpensive, why not just go into the off season to address the holes?
Jason Mackey
1:41
I don't know what you're struggling to understand, James. He didn't do anything here. He was unhappy. They were going to lose him for nothing. Sheahan, too. They wanted to try and get something in return for both guys and try to make the NHL club better in the process. I think they accomplished both things.
guest
1:41
In your articles on Brassard and Sheahan both mentioned the weather.  Do you think this gloomy weather that Pittsburghers are used to is a big issue for players coming here?
Jason Mackey
1:42
Nah, I don't. They have a chance to win a Cup in Pittsburgh, with a team that spends every available dollar and spoils players with how they're treated. Penguins have zero issue attracting free agents, trust me. They have a very good reputation around the league.
Todd HH
1:42
Thanks for the 20 point articles. Really enjoy them Jason.  I was the reader last week that pointed out Nick B as a possible target , which you aptly and reasonably shot down due to Florida not doing it.  Were you as surprised as I was ?
Jason Mackey
1:43
Stunned. I love the addition. I just never thought in a million years he'd be available. Shoot, I'd love to see Vince Trocheck here. Have written that in this space. Same deal. I can't believe Tallon was willing to trade Bjugstad. I still don't understand why they were willing to do it.
James
1:43
Pearson the next guy to go you think?
Jason Mackey
1:43
I think they'd certainly entertain it, but I can't imagine opposing GMs are lining up for his services at the moment.
Todd HH
1:43
Really thought your point on Simon and his place in the lineup was spot on.  Not quite offensive skilled enough to play top 6 but not rugged enough for bottom work.  Any predictions on what the top 6 looks like come hopefully playoff time ?
Jason Mackey
1:44
It's hard. I'd like to think Guentzel, Crosby, Bjugstad, Rust (or a winger they acquire), Malkin and Kessel. But I think there's much still to figure out. Do they need Hornqvist up there? Is Bjugstad better served on the third line? Do they want to separate Malkin and Kessel? Many balls in the air.
66fan
1:44
I don’t understand why the Pens want to pay TPearson $3.75 mil/yr for two more seasons— expensive for a bottom 6 forward.  yes he won a Cup, but so have Lucic and Bylsma.  why not stick with Hagelin?  he plays well with 81 and 71– separately or together, he’s faster, good on PK and salary cap flexibility at the end of the season.  is Pearson better than I give him credit for?  your opinion please, thnx
Jason Mackey
1:46
Well, you're switching around history here. They made the trade when they did because they needed a trade, a change. Pearson, if he finishes, can be a better option than Hagelin in that spot. Again, when he finishes. He's showed signs but hasn't been consistent enough. And there's nothing that says they WANT to pay him $3.75 million for two more. Nobody WANTS to pay a fourth-line that for multiple years. They want him to play better, as does he. They knew they'd lose Hagelin, and he finished nothing. They thought they needed someone who would do that better. Nobody crushed the trade like this when Pearson was reasonably productive. It's because he's stunk lately. I get it. But one slump doesn't mean the entire process was flawed.
JohnAl
1:46
What is Rutherford looking at for a trade? Depth/character guys?
Jason Mackey
1:47
Little bit of both. Some character/leadership, for sure. Maybe a depth defenseman.
Bill
1:47
Does Blueger have a path to stay in the lineup when Geno and ZAR return? Maybe at expense of a Simon or Pearson if they dont produce?
Jason Mackey
1:47
Sure. He's one of their best 12 guys right now. He's been better than both Pearson and Simon. Does that hold? I don't know, but I don't think Sullivan will care short-term about taking Blueger over Pearson if he does continue to play better.
Todd HH
1:49
I understand Malkin is out. But any thoughts on not giving Blueger the 2nd line minutes tonight and using Cullen instead ?  I last watched Matt vs Tampa and he looked shot to be kind.
Jason Mackey
1:49
I'd be all for it. I don't view Matt Cullen as a second-line center.
Bill
1:49
Not sure how much you follow WBS but Ethan Prow is a having a great year (All Star). Does he have a future in Pgh or do guys like Johnson have him blocked? Hes a RHD as well.
Jason Mackey
1:49
I don't think he's blocked here. I think next season he'll get a shot with the big club. I think it's probably late for this year. Just no jobs available.
guest
1:49
Think the Pens are regretting the Pearson/ Hagelin trade?   Could Pearson be the scratch when Malkin gets back?
Jason Mackey
1:50
He could be, yes. Hasn't been great. But I think it's some hindsight-is-20/20-sort of stuff there. I think they want Pearson to play the way he has.
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