JotCast | Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 04.04.19

Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 04.04.19

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Jason Mackey

1:14

My sense is that they're perfectly fine with where they are. Yeah, they've screwed some stuff up. But I think there's still a confidence with this group that they're going to get in and make a run once they do.

Mike

1:14

What are your thoughts on current playoff seeding? Do you like what it is now or believe the 1-8 seeding is better?

Jason Mackey

1:14

I hate the way it is now. Would absolutely prefer 1-8.

1:14

Once the forward group is healthy, who drops to 4th line? Do you see it being Simon, ZAR, other? Whats your playoff lineup?

Jason Mackey

1:15

Playoff lineup: McCann-Crosby-Guentzel // Rust-Malkin-Kessel // Simon-Bjugstad-Hornqvist // Blueger-Cullen-Wilson ... probably Blueger-Cullen-ZAR when ZAR gets bac.

Note: This isn't necessarily what I would do, but I think it's the most likely to happen.

Nene

1:15

Hi Jason! Really love these chats and good job with your articles!!

Jason Mackey

1:15

Thanks, Nene. Appreciate that.

Nene

1:15

do you think the pens will clinch tonight

Jason Mackey

1:15

Yes, I do.

Logan

1:15

Do you happen to know what is ailing Dumoulin?

Jason Mackey

1:16

Believe it's a strain of some sort in his knee. Nothing major.

Adam

1:16

I’m very optimistic about these Penguins going into the playoffs, primarily because it seems that every Cup year in the Crosby-era has been a season where the team has had to overcome many challenges. I know there are many questions surrounding the team still (particularly around Malkin, Kessel, and Hornqivst), but shouldn’t Pens fans be a little optimistic given that Sid is playing the best all-around game of his career, he’s finally got a legit 1st line goal scoring winger, GMJR has corrected many mistakes, and their goalie has been playing lights out the last month? Is there any team they can’t at least hang with over 7 games?

Jason Mackey

1:18

I think so, but the tone in here seems to go with the previous result. Loss? Sky is falling. Win? Bring on the Cup! This is a very good team. They know how to play in the playoffs. They have the best 200-foot player in the league, a goaltender who has found his stride, they're deep enough on D and have some horses (Kessel, Malkin, Hornqvist) capable of going on a serious tear. They could do a lot of damage in the playoffs. I see them as a tossup with WSH, who they will likely see in the second round. They can beat the TBL, although I have to give Tampa the edge at this point. How can you not?

Alex

1:18

Hi Jason. Thanks for doing this every week. Question: is Bryan Rust untouchable? If not, what has to come the other way if GMJR was willing to move him?

Jason Mackey

1:18

I think he's darn close. Return would have to be massive. The only two untouchables are Crosby and Malkin, but again, it'll take a lot for some other guys. Rust is in that category.

Mike

1:18

when Pens won The Cups two, three years ago, they relied heavily on speed to gain an advantage. Now it seems other teams have caught up and can actually out skat3 the Pens. How much of an issue will that be in the playoffs ( I assume they will get in)?

Jason Mackey

1:19

I don't think it will be a huge one, honestly. They're right up there. No, they aren't the fastest in the league. But it's about more than moving your skates quickly. They have smart players. The puck moves quicker than people. It's more about that -- being on your game, ready, that sort of stuff -- than physical ability, in my opinion.

Tiesha

1:19

I wonder what your friends really think about you

Jason Mackey

1:19

They hate me.

BigAl

1:19

Letang didn't seem too confident he'll be able to come back this season. Time for him to hang it up?

Jason Mackey

1:20

He's going to play tonight. And, no.

Dan Mucy

1:20

Hi Jason! Really looking forward to your work during the playoffs! OK, am I crazy, or has the job Mike Sullivan's done gone under the radar? Mass injuries....half a season of nothing from Kessel and Hornqvist...roster moves....Murray having strange stretches....yet we're closing in on 100 points! Kudos to Sully! Thanks...Dan

Jason Mackey

1:20

Agree, Dan. I don't think Sullivan gets appreciated enough. I think fans are very quick to overlook what they have in front of them, which is one of the five best coaches in the entire NHL right now. Sullivan has done a tremendous job this season.

Jison Mickey

1:20

Have you done laundry yet this week? Remember to bring extra pairs of underwear for the playoff run

Jason Mackey

1:21

Thank you. I will. Playoffs are easy to pack for. Max trip is like five days.

Christian

1:21

Jason, there hasn’t been a team with the same core that has won 4 championships in this city since the 70’ Steelers. In terms of greatest teams in Pittsburgh/NHL history and even professional sports in general. What would a 4th Stanley cup mean to this team? To me it would be rarified air.

Jason Mackey

1:24

Yeah, I don't know if I can put something into perspective like that; I'm only 35. But I would be comfortable saying it would make the Penguins THE team of the post-lockout era in the NHL, the only team with four. I think Crosby, Malkin, etc. should already go down as big-time winners, but I guess a fourth would ... oh wait, I did this story: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2018/10/01/penguins-previ...

1:24

If they end up clinching (they should, but hey, you never know), who do you think Pens face in round 1? Who do you think would be their ideal matchup?

Jason Mackey

1:24

I think it'll be the Islanders, and I'm also comfortable saying -- given what's likely -- that it would be their most ideal, too. Question is whether it starts here or there.

Bobby

1:24

Are you missing any teeth?

Jason Mackey

1:24

Not yet.

Christian

1:25

Jason, it’s been a long time since we have seen Phil burn a defender or have seen the puck explode off his stick. He doesn’t look like the same player as he was a few years ago. This makes me wonder does Phil just not take care of his body as well as 87 or 58? Or do players slowdown at different rates. Thoughts?

Jason Mackey

1:25

I think players slow down at different rates, and yeah, I think Phil probably is a different player than he was 3-4 years ago. I don't think that makes him unique. I would just caution you to remember the mental side of things. He's going to be slower out there if he's thinking too much.

Christian

1:25

Jason, I think there are elements of the 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-16 teams in this group. They have bad games, at times they look like they can beat anyone, and games where they find ways to win. What would you expect to see out of this team heading into the playoffs?

Jason Mackey

1:26

Probably more of what we've seen thus far, honestly. But I do expect to get a little more from Kessel and Hornqvist. I also expect them to play a more simple style.

Dan Mucy

1:26

Jason....forgot in my other question....count me in among those THRILLED to see you on the 1030 show and countdown!!!! Dan

Jason Mackey

1:26

Thanks, Dan. I really appreciate that. I'm honored they asked me to do it.

Sir

1:26

Is Kessel playing hurt just so he can keep his streak going?

Jason Mackey

1:27

I've seen nothing to indicate that he's injured.