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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 04.04.19
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Jsb66
1:42
Taking 1 game at a time, with tonight being the most important, what line gets matched up against Larkin's. Having the last change must work to our advantage.
Jason Mackey
1:42
Sullivan usually likes to go power on power. I think Sid's line draws that assignment. If that's the case, I'd look for Malkin and Kessel to have a big game.
Sarah in PHL
1:42
Sorry if you got this one already, but with Malkin likely to come back, would seem to make sense that Wilson would drop out, keeping AJ and TB both in on the 4th line for their speed. Would be very  nice to have options to go with a faster versus physical lineup when needed...
Jason Mackey
1:42
They like Wilson a lot. Johnson will be a healthy scratch tonight. Fourth line will be Blueger-Cullen-Wilson.
guest
1:42
assuming Cullen retires, can you float the idea to him to keep in shape and come back to the team next year in Jan/Feb :)
Jason Mackey
1:43
He will definitely stay in shape. But honestly, from what I know of Cullen, when he does decide to retire, I think he's going to throw himself 200 percent into whatever it is that he does. Dad life. Player development. Training. Selling insurance. I don't know. I don't think he knows. But I have a tough time seeing him make a midseason comeback.
dave
1:44
In the past, Malkin's positives have outweighed the negatives, but I don't think that's the case anymore.  This season, when he hasn't been injured, he's either been giving the puck away or committing a dumb penalty.  Do you know when his contract expires?  I'm wondering when they'll have to decide if they want to give him a new one.
Jason Mackey
1:44
His contract expires after the 2021-22 season. However, I can't say I agree with your assessment. He certainly had a slump when that stuff happened. But since the calendar flipped to 2019, Malkin has been a heck of a lot better.
Cosmo K
1:45
Thanks for indulging me on here Jason, I truly think you do an outstanding job and hope your boss sees the sincere compliments you receive. Hope you saw Puddy face plant in NJ this year, it's good for some laughs. Looking forward to the PG playoff coverage, can't believe they're not officially in yet!!! I was busy with Rusty and missed that marble rye line apparently...
Jason Mackey
1:45
Don't feed Rusty any more Bean-O. Anyway, thanks for the kind words. Looking forward to our playoff coverage as well.
Cosmo K
1:45
I trust Sullivan completely, but I feel 87 doesn't get the puck enough on the power play, whether it be on the zone entry and when (if) they get set up in the offensive zone. That would be something I would change, Syd is the best player and should be in control. I know he likes to move the puck, but I think he should be more selfish. Any thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:46
Agree Sid should be more selfish, but how is that Sullivan's fault? Some of it is Sid's fault. He was talking about yesterday, in that he needs to shoot more and pass less on the power play.
Bwent N Billy
1:46
Hypothetical question here....would the Pens have fared better the past 2 seasons, won a 3rd cup last year, and be better poised for a 4th cup this year if the Pens kept Flower and traded Murray?
Jason Mackey
1:46
(Head slams into desk)
1:47
I think the Penguins made the best business decision and also the right decision. Fleury is great, but Murray is their future, a two-time Cup winner and is showing he's a franchise guy in his own rite.
guest
1:47
You’re not a pens fan? which team are you a fan of?
Jason Mackey
1:49
Big misconception about journalism here. I don't work for the Penguins. I work for the Post-Gazette. My job is to provide objective coverage. I write about the good and the bad. I don't spin things or ignore things that might be unflattering (like today's story on Sid failing to score in 10 games). We don't cheer in the press box. We only root for lopsided outcomes (easier to write) and no overtime (deadlines).
guest
1:50
Loved your article about the coffee.  Do the players enjoy talking about things that are not hockey related as a change of pace?
Jason Mackey
1:51
That was actually Matt Vensel's article, but he did a terrific job. I loved it, too. Players love that stuff ... although you have to ask it in the right setting. (Not before a big game or anything like that.) ... But they get peppered with the same serious/hockey stuff all the time. I find you get much better answers and get them relaxed if you bring up something off-topic like that.
66fan
1:51
Sully has stated in the past he believes Pens are better/deeper/harder to match up against with 3 offensive lines... is there any hope that Malkin and Kessel will be separated.  I’m not a fan of them together and think Malkin is better without Phil on his line; more of a shooter.  thoughts?  thanks Mackey- keep up the good work
Jason Mackey
1:51
Thank you for the kind words. Yes, I think they can and potentially will be separated. But while they bring Malkin back and try to get Phil going, I think this is the easiest starting point -- to start them together, then see what happens.
Wil
1:51
Jason, you mentioned that the lines you expect for the playoffs aren't necessarily the ones you would use.  What tweaks would you make?
Jason Mackey
1:54
I would play Hornqvist with Sid. ... I'd see if, after a bit, I couldn't separate Malkin and Kessel. ... If I could, I might try Rust on Malkin's right wing with McCann on the left. ... If I couldn't, I might go Rust on the third line. Moving parts.
And with that, I'm gonna head out of here folks. Gotta head home and do a couple things before the game tonight. As always, thanks for participating. Until next week ...
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