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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 02.21.19
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Jason Mackey
2:17
Someone who doesn't like Radko Gudas? Those people exist? No way.
Sarah in PHL
2:17
If it does rain Saturday night as expected, is there a specific time on Sunday the game would be moved to? is that already set as a backup plan?
Jason Mackey
2:18
I would imagine they would try the afternoon first, then keep pushing it back as they had to. But no such plans have been communicated at this point.
copall
2:18
The defense has looked better with the return of Shultz. The Pens now have more than one defensive pairing that can help move the puck up ice. Forward depth has improved too. For the first time this season, the Pens have been able to rollout 4 effective lines the past few games. Goaltending is what it is. Outside of finding some defensive depth in the event the team doesn’t think Mattaa can come back before the playoffs, I don’t see JR being very busy before the trade deadline. Do you?
Jason Mackey
2:18
I don't. I think he might add a defenseman or forward -- depth-type guys -- but nothing at all huge.
copall
2:18
Is ZAR the new Rust, a Swiss-Army-Knife type player that can contribute all over the ice in many different situations?
Jason Mackey
2:19
Maybe. I can't say he's not. But I think he needs to do it for a much longer stretch of time. Dude just needs to stay healthy and stack some games here.
Uncle Dizzle
2:19
Why do you think Pens fans always have to have a whipping boy like Scuderi, Malta, and JJ? Is it a general lack of knowledge regarding the game, or just anonymous internet tough guy mentality or something else?
Jason Mackey
2:19
I don't know. I would honestly love to hear why it happens. There's also one guy who received the bulk of Penguins fans' ire. It's crazy.
Christian
2:19
Did last years team play better more consistent defense than this years team?
Jason Mackey
2:20
I think it's about the same, honestly. They both have some flaws. I do think last year's team, when Cole was on it, was at least capable of playing better defense, even if that didn't always happen.
ToddHH
2:20
Just wanted to thank u for your take on baseball the other day and the absurdity they want u to swallow.    Eternally grateful for Sullivan , but with his epic shuffling and love affair with Simon , strange handling of Blueger, this isn’t his best work.  Thoughts ?
Jason Mackey
2:21
I don't think his handling of Blueger is that out of character. He's being a tough on a kid. This isn't the first time. The Simon thing is strange, but as I said before, Sullivan really does think very highly of Simon as a player.
Uncle Dizzle
2:21
Going to Columbus for youth hockey tournament next month, any recommendations for good places to grab a bite to eat that is family friendly?  Thanks
Jason Mackey
2:22
Go to Tip Top and get a pot roast sandwich. 16-Bit Bar + Arcade is really neat. Think they let kids in during the day. Little Palace is my favorite eatery in Columbus. Old school place. Food is incredible.
RPK
2:22
Jason, the goaltending and defense aren't up for a long playoff run (if the Pens even qualify) as currently constituted.  I think a 1st round exit is the most likely outcome.   GMJR said he is happy with the defense as it is.   Do you think he is serious?
Jason Mackey
2:23
Take it easy on the optimism here. People are gonna think you're on something, being so sunny all the time. Yes, I think he is. And I think he should be. They're fine ... when they play the right way. Their problem has been not doing that enough.
Christian
2:23
Jason, the pens no longer dominate opponents and consistently make bad teams look decent. I can’t recall many games this year where you knew they were going to win the game. Why is that, and do you think they can get back to that dominate level?
Jason Mackey
2:23
As I
2:24
've been saying here, they've been inconsistent. With effort. With execution. With discipline. They're getting great performances from some guys some nights while others are disappearing. Sometimes the goaltending has been great. Other times, it's been terrible. They haven't been able to consistently put the pieces together.
Pens4ever
2:24
Do you think JR is now regretting trading Hagelin now that he is in Washington
Jason Mackey
2:25
Nah, I don't think he looks at it like that. If Carl Hagelin renders the Capitals unbeatable, then the Penguins weren't that good to begin with.
Blake Oakfield
2:25
If McDavid or Kane or Crosby et al played an entire season in the AHL on an average team, how many points would they score over 82 games? It's always odd when you see a guy light up the AHL then not be able to score when promoted, I'm curious how that might translate in the other direction.
Jason Mackey
2:26
Ha. I never thought of that one. That's good. I'd think they've be good for, baseline, two points a game, maybe a little more. Good question, though. That's an interesting one.
West Coast Ops
2:26
Jason - Thanks for all you do with getting fans info.  I especially liked your story about the Pens itinerary when they were out West.  Would GMJR consider moving Phil this year if the right deal came?
Jason Mackey
2:27
I'm not sure what story you're talking about, but thank you nonetheless. ... I think it would take something crazy for Jim to do something at the deadline. Not saying he wouldn't, but it would have to be something he felt really good about. I think a more likely outcome is GMJR trading Phil over the summer. Or at least making it known that, yet again, he's going to entertain offers.
Bryan Rust
2:27
Can we finally all agree it is time to stick with consistent lines and D pairings? Also why is the PP not Letang, Shultz (one timer to the left), Crosby (one timer to the right) with Guentzel and Hornqvist down low?
Jason Mackey
2:29
Probably because they don't wanna take off their power-play goals (Malkin, Crosby and Kessel are tied) and points leader, for one. Two, yes it is time to settle into pairings and defined roles. It has been that time for awhile now.
Biggus
2:29
Where would you rank Brassard as the Pens player with the worst attitude?  Did the other players celebrate when the ice version of AB (minus the talent)left?
Jason Mackey
2:30
Who am I picking from? Current team? All-time? Regardless, I don't think Brassard had a bad attitude. I think he was tremendously uncomfortable. Nobody hated the guy. He was very nice to his teammates, coaches, management and media. But, no, he was not at all capable of doing what they wanted him to do.
Dave
2:30
To your knowledge, were the Penguins ever interested in reacquiring Carl Hagelin? Really sucks that the Caps got him.
Jason Mackey
2:30
They can't, Dave. Wrote this in 20 Thoughts. Because they retained salary, they couldn't bring him back. If you retain salary, you have to wait a year ... or at least that player's contract expires or is bought out.
Mike A.
2:30
Do you see Jim Rutherford being in the market for a RD defenseman like Nick Jensen or Ben Lovejoy?
Jason Mackey
2:32
Potentially. But only on the cheap. Jensen checks that box, but the Devils would definitely have to take back money on Lovejoy ($2.7 million). Willing to bet other teams would want Lovejoy and would not require financial assistance. So probably a no on him.
Alex
2:32
So what exactly happened with Mike Johnston that just didn’t work? What kept him to reaching that point of complete respect from the players?
Jason Mackey
2:33
Mike Johnson was and is really smart. He really knows his stuff and knows how to coach. Nobody disputed that. But he had the wrong personality for this group. He was quiet, reserved, almost professorial. I think this group walked all over him and didn't give him a lot of respect, sad as that is. Bottom line, he just didn't have the right personality to deal with this group.
Bob A.
2:33
Why do you think GMJR went away from the speed formula in favor of a heavier style in the past year or two?
Jason Mackey
2:34
I would struggle to call the Penguins "heavy" right now. I don't think that's right. And they haven't really gone away from a speed-based approach. They just don't have as much of an advantage as they used to. They have pushed having the puck more, but that has more to do with the types of shots they're willing to take and not making stupid decisions with the puck as anything else.
JohnAl
2:34
Are the Penguins still involved in talks for the second tier of rentals (Zucc, Johanssen, etc), or did Maatta's injury make defense more of a priority?
Jason Mackey
2:35
It doesn't sound like they're interested in pursuing anything big at the moment.
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