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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 10.11.18
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Brian
1:27
Hi Jason - What do you think the chances are that Riikola gets a long look in our top 6 D?  If he sticks, who ultimately gets bumped to 7/8 D?
Jason Mackey
1:28
Good question. Ruhwedel will remain the No. 7. What happens beyond that is TBD. As I said before, injuries happen, and the Penguins always seem to lose a defenseman. Honestly, if everyone stays healthy, I don't know who stays out of the lineup. I don't think we'll ever get far enough with this to find out.
Brayden
1:28
If Rikola plays well, do you see him taking Oli/Oleksiaks spot longer term?? Or do you think he’s just there to give Oli a wake up call, end up getting sent down regardless??
Jason Mackey
1:29
Again, I don't think anyone knows. I think we should watch Riikola play one game, two games, etc., before making any sweeping judgements long-term. We should do that because that's what the Penguins front office is doing, too, evaluating this stuff on a game-by-game basis. It's the only way to do business.
Johnny Johnny
1:29
No question Jason I just wanted to let you know I’m proud of you, have a nice day chief
Jason Mackey
1:29
You as well.
Guest
1:29
Regardless of the severity of Murray’s latest injury, do you think the Pens should trade for a veteran goaltender? Is there a chance that Murray really needs and misses someone to talk things through with and is better off as a backup, with the pressure of being the number 1 goalie off of him?
Jason Mackey
1:30
I don't see a need. Let's go Worst Case and say Murray can't get back on the ice. I'm fine with Jarry or DeSmith. I really am. Who are you going to trade? And what is that going to net you? I'm not doing that until I at least figure out what I have in these two, and I think one or the other will rise to the challenge. I like Jarry if he's going to get regular starts. I just hate him as a backup because I don't think he's wired that way.
Christian
1:30
If any of the Pens players go down with an injury either on offense or defense, who are the next guys called up?
Jason Mackey
1:31
In this order among forwards: Derek Grant, Zach Aston-Reese and Teddy Blueger. In this order among defensemen: Olli Maatta, Chad Ruhwedel and Zach Trotman.
Zach K.
1:31
First time here, Mackey.  What do you think would constitute a “good” debut for Riikola tonight?
Jason Mackey
1:32
If he gets the puck out of his zone effectively, hits a little bit, joins the rush, doesn't do anything stupid ... just plays a solid game and fits in. He isn't Kris Letang and shouldn't try to be Kris Letang. It's cliche, but he just need to do what he can do and do it well.
Syl Apps
1:32
If there was no goalie, the shot that hits the post DOES NOT GO IN. Love the chats but that was some crazy talk
Jason Mackey
1:32
There are shots that hit the post and go in, Syl.
JP
1:33
who will not finish the season as a penguin on the current roster?
Jason Mackey
1:33
I could see them trading Derek Grant at some point. Just seems like an awfully difficult situation. Maybe Brassard, if how he's been playing goes away.
Guest
1:33
Is it time yet to move Phil away from Geno? They play to the worst of each other’s tendencies. Sullivan must see this. When does he stop catering to what Phil wants? I still think Brassard and Kessel have a chance to be a very good pairing.
Jason Mackey
1:35
I think they deserve a little more leeway. They've both done some silly stuff, but I'm not sure it's because they've been together. Sullivan has also really liked Brassard with Rust. Moving Phil moves Rust, and who knows what you end up getting with Brassard. I would stick it out a little longer.
Aj
1:35
There was a lot of talk by the Penguins about coming into this season strong and having something to prove but so far the big guns (Kessel, Malkin, even Crosby) have ranged from looking uninspired to looking like they flat out don’t want to be there. What gives?
Jason Mackey
1:35
It's only been two games, Aj, and they've won one of them. I don't think we can make any sort of assertions that the Penguins have or have not proven anything. It's just too darn early.
JohnAl
1:35
Why do you keep saying ZAR has a 'two-way contract' as something that conspired against him? Two-way has no influence on waivers.
Jason Mackey
1:36
They're up against the cap, and they save money by keeping him in the minors, money they need.
JP
1:36
do you think Johnson is still adjusting or this is the type of player we signed for 5 years? Not bashing him as i do not have enough knowledge on him. Just curious if we should expect more in the coming weeks?
Jason Mackey
1:36
I think he's still adjusting. I don't think you can expect Johnson to be picture-perfect after two games. I get the fan sentiment on this deal, but I just think it's unfair to make any judgement good or bad this soon.
Danny
1:36
Any idea why the Pens opted to go back to the light bulb goal light instead of sticking with the LED stansions?
Jason Mackey
1:36
I have zero idea on that one, Danny. Sorry.
JP
1:37
Have you ever considered doing a fantasy hockey league
Jason Mackey
1:37
I have, yes.
DarthReptar
1:37
While Ian Cole certainly isn't an easy player to replace by any means, is this defense starting to show how much it misses him, especially in the Top 4 with how Maatta's played?
Jason Mackey
1:38
Eh, I don't their problems at the moment have anything to do with Ian Cole. I think we need to let that go. Ian Cole was a solid Penguin, but he's long gone.
David
1:38
Hey Jason. Greetings from Poland and Polish Penguins! ;) What do you think about Penguins after Crosby/Malkin era? This will be team like Buffalo which for many season was almost the worst in the league, or rather like... let's say Detroit - team which isn't good but also isn't so bad. I would say Detroit... but what do you think?
Jason Mackey
1:38
I think you're right on, David. And thanks for joining all the way from over they're. Post 87/71, I think they're going to stink, and I think they know that. That's sort of by design: ride this out, then raze it and build again from the ground up.
Pens4Life
1:39
Jason, meant to ask during your first chat but wasn’t able to take part: You’ve mentioned several times about the special bond you and your dad shared via hockey. How emotional was the start of this season for you knowing it’s your first without him? I promise I’m not trying to stir up sadness, but my dad and I have enjoyed Penn State and Steeler games my whole life, and now that he’s getting up in age, I’m trying to imagine doing that without him, and I can’t. (If you don’t feel comfortable answering, I completely understand and apologize if I upset you).
Jason Mackey
1:41
No problem at all, and it has been hard. Every day is hard. I've said this a lot ... usually over tears ... but I just miss him. It's no more complicated than that. He was my hero, still is, and I just miss him. One thing I'm glad of though is the fact that we always talked: every week, twice a week, never fought, always prioritized each other. I can't say I have any regrets or left quality time on the table. So, my advice to anyone would be to do that. Spend that time watching Penn State and Steelers games with your dad.
Noah
1:41
Back to the Hall of Fame question, I know he is not a Penguin anymore either but do you see a guy like a Chris Kunitz going to the Hall as well? He has held his own in other spots unlike some guys who played with superstars and then disipated. Kuni won a Cup in Aneheim long before he became a Peungin. 4 Cups is nothing to sniff at.
Jason Mackey
1:42
Very true. If he gets to five, I say for sure. But as of now, I think he's maybe on the bubble. The Cups are great, but it's just tough with the numbers and who else is in, IMO.
Pens4Life
1:42
Is this concussion trend of Murray's worrisome to you, or will concern set in after one or two more? With all the recent research about them, you've got to think his brain is going to suffer serious damage in the long run.
Jason Mackey
1:43
It's worrisome, but not in the sense that I think he should quit playing hockey. All concussions are worrisome. It's a scary injury. And if he gets a fourth one quickly, I think they should sit him down. But if he's passing tests and doctors are looking at this and saying, "OK," then I get it. I just hope that's actually the case. I think the Penguins are very good, diligent and thorough about concussions, but I'm willing to bet that other teams are not, prioritizing winning over the human brain.
Pens4Life
1:43
Same question that was recently presented to one of your colleagues: Worse defense right now? Steelers or Pens?
Jason Mackey
1:44
Steelers, I think. Penguins are capable; they just need to fix some things. I think the Steelers' ceiling is only so high.
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