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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 10.4.18
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Jason Mackey
1:36
I don't think the puck going into the back of the net takes more effort than when the goalie makes the save. I think the Capitals will be plenty fired up. ... Could they maybe be feeling a little too good about themselves after last night? I think that's possible, which makes a strong start that much more important.
Bill
1:37
Rank these in the order in which they will happen: Riikola gets regular playing time in the lineup, Wilson returns from the suspension, Lev Bell plays a down for the Steelers.
MA
1:38
Best opening day story/moment?
Jason Mackey
1:43
I'll probably go with my first one, honestly. 2014-15. Had worked my butt off covering high schools, colleges, long days, whatever anyone asked to have done, moved jobs, states, sacrificed a ton, whole deal ... and it just felt like such a professional reward for all of that, to get there, after seven hard years having very little money and free time and have the pleasure of doing that.
Chris
1:43
Speaking of food from before, where's your favorite place to eat on the road (not in Nashville)
Jason Mackey
1:45
Raleigh is really, really good. I'm a sucker for BBQ. Vancouver is up there. There's a dive seafood joint that closed, and I may cry over it. Montreal is ridiculously good. Manhattan, obviously. Boston is terrific. Dallas, too. Went to Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum, Texas during the NHL Draft with Brian Metzer. It remains, to this day, the best road meal I've had. Absurdly good BBQ.
Steven
1:46
What's the story on the Freddie Tiffels contract termination? Didn't want to spend another year in beautiful Wheeling?
Jason Mackey
1:46
Ha. No. Sadly. I think he wanted to go home and didn't really see a clear path here. The Penguins were fine to acquiesce.
LN
1:46
Do you think what Sid said about the Wilson hit before his hearing helped force the hand of the league a little bit?
Jason Mackey
1:47
Yeah, honestly, I think it did. A little even. I also think just the overall narrative about how they've been dealing with head hits -- bad -- forced them to do something. But good for Sid. I'm glad he spoke out, and I think other prominent players should do the same. Those guys are stars. They have a special platform, one that's unavailable to most. It's my opinion they should use for the betterment of the sport.
John
1:47
Doesn't sound like the staff was elated with the development of Sprong this camp.  So, am I right in saying that Sprong made the roster by default instead of on his performances?
Jason Mackey
1:49
I don't know if "by default" is the right word. The kid can score goals. They know that. Sullivan needs to put him in the best position to contribute ... but not be a liability. They need an offensive component on the fourth line, so Sprong is a better option there than Derek Grant. I can tell you this: Sprong won't have a long leash. If he tries to stickhandle through the neutral zone or continues to make dumb passes, I don't expect Sullivan to stick with him for very long. Grant is more than capable of stepping in, no matter the wing.
MA
1:49
Any credence to the thought that Grant might be used so u don't tire Matt Cullen out bf the post season?
Jason Mackey
1:50
I think if Cullen's play starts to fade, sure. But are they going to rest Cullen just because? I doubt it. I know he's 42, but trust me when I tell you, Cullen is probably in better shape than half the guys on the team. He's a freak. Doesn't look to me -- and I don't think he feels this way, either -- like he's going to need any "rest games."
JJ
1:50
Jason, it seems like many fans are still ready to trade Maatta away now they Riikola has emerged. Is it just because he’s also Finnish? Are their games even similar? After last year you think he’d get a reprieve, but apparently not.
Jason Mackey
1:51
I don't understand the Maatta trade talk. At all. I actually address this in my 20 Thoughts for next week. I feel like people are in such a hurry to trade Maatta, and I don't understand why. Yes, Riikola has a good camp, but he's never played an NHL regular-season game. Maatta is 24 and, by all accounts, still getting better. I think some patience should be in order.
The Cardinal
1:51
I recall the Steelers used to and may still have a team chaplain.  Do the Pens have one on staff or would they consider hiring one for spiritual inspiration?
Jason Mackey
1:51
To my knowledge, the Penguins don't have a team chaplain. Matt Cullen would be the closest thing. They have some informal chapel services, but it's nothing like football. Religion -- like politics and many aspects of players' personal lives -- remain very much off-limits in hockey. I don't get it, but that's just the way it is for most hockey players.
FR
1:52
My coworker said you are joining the morning team on the Fan!  Say it ain't so!  That's neat though I wont' listen to the program!  I got used to you being on in the afternoons for the ride home.
LN
1:52
So excited for the season to get started!  How many away games to you generally get to cover?
Jason Mackey
1:53
Sorry, put two questions through at once ... yes, I'm joining the Fan in an exclusive capacity. I believe you'll hear me with the morning show every Thursday at 8 a.m., plus other appearances as warranted. I'll have weekly hits with all of their shows, plus much more. I'm going to be on with the PM Team today from 5-6 p.m. from Cambria Suites.
Chris
1:53
Gotta get the authentic poutine
Jason Mackey
1:54
Absolutely. Best I've had has been in Downtown Ottawa.
JN
1:54
Tom WIlson starring in Slapshot II?  How can anyone defend this guy who most likely took 0 strides from the bench and cracks someone for at least the 5th time right in the head?
Jason Mackey
1:54
I think Tom Wilson is a very good player. I'll say that. But, yeah, the hits to the head need to stop. He was fine to hit Sundqvist with his shoulder, in the body. But he didn't.
Chris
1:54
Any idea about these third jerseys? You think they'd release them already.
Jason Mackey
1:55
No clue. I asked, too. This is very tightly guarded info, believe me. They are going to release them fairly soon, I can tell you that. They want to do it whenever they are available for purchase, which is one of the things holding the release up.
Matt in Cleveland
1:55
Who is one player who will have a 'career' year?   i.e. getting contributions above and beyond expectations.  And one that my have down/below expectations year?
Jason Mackey
1:56
I don't know if it's above or below expectations, but I would expect Derick Brassard to look like the same player we've been accustomed to seeing -- I.e. not the same guy who was here after the trade deadline. Not sure about who's going backward. Hard to tell that sort of stuff at this time of year, honestly.
LN
2:02
How does Sullivan seem to be doing after the passing of his father?
Jason Mackey
2:03
He seems fine. Honestly, Mike doesn't show that personal side much. He's very private. So if he was affected in any way, he's not going to show it. That said, I can speak from personal experience here since hockey was something my dad and I shared and this will be my first opening night without him, I can't imagine it's easy.
Chris
2:03
Which of the released third jerseys do you think are the worst? I hate the Jets plain look. Should've gone old school
Jason Mackey
2:03
Right with you, Chris. That's the biggest "flop" I've seen.
LN
2:03
do you think the Caps are considered the Pens biggest rival?
Jason Mackey
2:03
I actually do. I hesitate typing that because I know the whole Flyers thing, but I think there's more current bad blood with the Capitals than with anybody else.
2:05
OK, folks. That does it for this week. Thanks so much for participating. Always love these. Can't wait to do it again next week!
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