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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 10.25.18
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Christian
1:29
Is there a better net front player in the league then Hornqvist?
Jason Mackey
1:30
Not for my money. His effort and ability in that spot are off the charts. Fun as heck to watch.
MOE
1:30
Do you keep tabs on former Pens players when they are traded?  Like for instance how is Connor Sheary doing with the Sabres thus far?  Just wondered if it was still part of your job to check in on players to see how they are performing with their new teams.
Jason Mackey
1:31
Absolutely. I would say it's part of my job, but it's also fun. I always found Conor very good to deal with. Talked, was nice, helpful, all the stuff a reporter would want. Just a good dude. I want to see him do well. You also spend so much of your time watching and analyzing ... you can't help but care what guys are doing other places.
Steven
1:31
What's the opinion within the organization on Zach Lauzon? He was a reach in the 2nd round given his universal 4th/5th round grade (which made the Reaves trade worse IMO). His draft + 1 year was disrupted by injuries and ineffectiveness with the puck when he did play, and he's missing the first two months of this season due to injury as well. Given the need to sign him prior to the coming draft, do you expect him to receive an ELC?
Jason Mackey
1:32
I think there's probably some serious concern at this point whether he can stay healthy. But honestly, I'm not sure he's factoring much into their plans -- because of that. I know they liked his skating and attitude before, but it's been hard for anyone to formulate much of an opinion because he's been hurt so darn much.
dave
1:32
It seems like guys (especially Cullen) are getting kicked out of the face-off circle more often than before.  Are the refs being more strict than last season?
Jason Mackey
1:34
I haven't noticed that, Dave, but it's not at all rare -- just look at last season -- for officials to go heavy on calls early in the season to try and change habits and because it's what their bosses want them to do. I think that's as much of what you're seeing as anything else.
Amy
1:34
I know it’s early in the season but what dman has been the best on his off side with Schultz out?
Jason Mackey
1:35
I really like how Jamie Oleksiak has played thus far. I've said this before and I'll say it again, but he honestly looks more comfortable to me on his right side as opposed to the left. A little bit of Trevor Daley in him that way.
Francis. S. Key
1:35
During the cup years, the Pens always seemed like the fastest team on the ice. The team's getting older, and its already apparent that younger, quicker teams are speeding around us. How will the Pens adapt to this? What new identity do you think the Pens will adopt?
Jason Mackey
1:36
I don't know if the Penguins need to adopt a new "identity." I do agree with your earlier point, that other teams have caught up. But it's not like they can't win when others teams are fast, too. They still possess as much skill as any team in the league. Defense needs to play better and Murray needs to look the way he did against Toronto, but this is a deep roster whether or not they're faster than everyone else or not.
STL
1:36
I'm beginning to get quite concerned about the Maata-Johnson tandem, clearly our weakest pairing and thats a problem
Jason Mackey
1:38
I understand the concern, but here's what I would do. 1. Give it time. It's only been seven games. 2. Play Maatta on the third pair. He's better than, and put Oleksiak on the right side. He's also better there. 3. Put Jack Johnson on the left, Juuso Riikola on the right. That's your second pair. Lean heavy on Dumoulin and Letang and spread out your minutes on your other two pairings. Even if the results stink right away, be patient. Allow the players time to jell.
Amy
1:38
With that beautiful goal Crosby scored vs Edmonton in OT, do you think that was his best goal of his career?
Jason Mackey
1:39
I don't know about best. He's scored bigger goals and others with a higher degree of difficult, but I'm comfortable putting it top 10, maybe top five. Difficulty-wise, I think I still have to go with the double deflection. That was insane.
HB
1:39
Congratulations to the addition in your family Jason. Do you think we will ever get to the point where when it says 7 O’clock puck drop it will actually drop at that time?
Jason Mackey
1:39
Haha. No, probably not. But what if you tell yourself it's going to be 7:08 p.m.? Isn't that good enough? Thank you for the kind words.
Question
1:39
When you appear on the Fan, who do you want as your wingers:  Dunlap and Mack; Starkey and Cook or Poni and Mueller?
Jason Mackey
1:41
Oh, no. I can only pick one set? I guess I'll go with Dunlap and Mack. Colin is shredded because that CrossFit stuff he does. He was also instrumental in getting me signed with the Fan, which I appreciate. And Mack is nearly from Brentwood ... just over the line in Baldwin. He's played dek hockey at Brentwood Park. That's good enough for me.
guest
1:42
do you think  part of the problem with Johnson so far is he is pressing too much to prove himself and to show his signing was a good thing?
Jason Mackey
1:42
That could be part of it. I also think -- OK, I know -- that a big issue has been adjusting to the forwards the Penguins have an how they like to play. It's all faster than Johnson has ever had to deal with, and Penguins forwards are all fairly demanding. Not in a bad way. Just in the way that most people who are good at their jobs want things a specific way.
Question
1:42
I continue to be a fan of the Cullen signing, but not of his usage.  Until the playoffs or injuries, I didn't foresee him being in the lineup regularly.  Is it warranted or is he becoming Sullivan's Sean Rodriguez?
Jason Mackey
1:43
Trust me, Cullen is in better shape than half the players on that team. The only thing resting him will do is give another player an opportunity. I guess I could see the value there to keep other guys involved, but Cullen doesn't need the rest. He's been perfectly fine for a fourth-line player making $650,000. He'll score soon enough.
HB
1:44
I could be wrong but I thought Sprong played the Kessel spot on the powerplay but instead he’s playing in the high slot where he’s not creating room for himself to get the puck is it because they run two defensemen on the second unit?
Jason Mackey
1:44
He used to, you're right. And he even got booted from the second power play against Edmonton. That second unit has been trying a few things since Schultz went down, and that was one of the changes -- Sprong in a different place.
HB
1:44
Do you think Olesiak could fine some time on the second unit with Shultz our?
Jason Mackey
1:45
Yes, I do. I think he's getting more and more confidence offensively. Might as well take advantage. And he has a great shot.
STL
1:45
I dont get this "Brassard might not fit here". What does that mean? he has good line mates, he gets regular shifts (often against the opponents' weaker D pairings), and he needs to produce. Who cares that hes the "#3" center, don't worry about Sid and Geno, just produce. We're not asking for first line production, but at least be a productive third line!
Jason Mackey
1:46
I understand what you're saying, but there's a certain flow guys get into. Brassard is used to getting 20 minutes a night. That doesn't happen here. There's also a difference in how his wingers play. He was previously playing with some of the best offensive players his team had. The Penguins also require everyone to think the game a little faster, and I think that -- at least at the beginning -- was an adjustment, too.
MaySee Gray
1:46
Mario has statue, Sid will have a statue, Jagr will probably get his number retired.  Does Geno get a statue?  He certainly deserves one.  I hope the Penguins don't overlook him like everyone else seems to.
Jason Mackey
1:46
Yeah, I don't see how they couldn't have a statue and jersey retirement ceremony for Malkin. He'll be right there with the three guys you mentioned.
Guest
1:46
How much longer until we see ZAR back in Pittsburgh?
Jason Mackey
1:47
Of all the Penguins' woes, they're not really deficient on the left side. If he was a right wing, maybe. But between Guentzel, Rust, Hagelin, Sheahan and Cullen, those guys have been fine there. I don't think ZAR is forcing them to change their thinking at this point.
guest
1:47
watching the last 2 Pens games were great.  first shutting down Toronto who was the hottest team, which shows everyone the Pens can turn it on when they want to and therefore we should not be worried.  And then the fun flying game against Edmonton and McDavid (who is so impressive).  The NHL should be showcasing these games!
Jason Mackey
1:48
I agree with you. Especially with Crosby vs. McDavid. That should've been on national TV all over the United States and Canada. For the life of me, I can't tell you why it wasn't. Opportunity missed as far as I'm concerned.
STL
1:48
On a positive note, Letang has really been something. We frequently just marvel at how good he is (at everything, and especially in the defensive zone) and its scary how often he (noticeably) stands out as the best player on the ice. Great to have him back.
Jason Mackey
1:48
Yep, he looks like the Kris Letang of old. Big redemption year for him so far. He's looked terrific.
SZ in AZ
1:48
Most critical question of the day...have you gotten around to listening to Train yet?

But seriously...

In the games I've watched this season (mostly Pens and Coyotes), it seems like penalty calls are way down. Is that just a function of the games I've been watching or is it reality. If it is reality, is it because they aren't focusing on a particular infraction this year, like slashing last year, or are games just cleaner?
Jason Mackey
1:49
I have not, sorry. No time with the new baby. ... I don't know if penalties across the league are way down, but the Penguins are certainly playing more disciplined hockey. I have noticed that.
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