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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 1.11.18
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Frank Black
12:56
Phil should be the lone all-star representative. Isn’t Geno more deserving than Sid for the all star nod. Malkin has 1 less point, in 4 fewer games, than Sid (take away Sid’s empty net points, 71 has more points). 71 leads team w/ 5 game-winning goals
Jason Mackey
12:58
Alright, folks, let's get this thing going. We'll start with Frank, who asks a great question. ... I agree that Phil should be going. I also see what you're saying about Malkin. Here's what you're not considering: the politics of it all. Crosby is the face of the league. They're going to try and promote the hell out of the game because it's only happening because there's no Olympics, and players want them to go. Fans probably want them to go, too. So take Sid and try to make it appealing with "names." Phil and Geno aren't going to knock the PR component of it out of the water.
Frank
12:58
Two years speed and desire brought us a cup. Last year desire and experience brought us a second. This year the ability to chase and force turnovers seems gone. When do the Pens admit a different style is needed? They are too tired to win that way again!
Jason Mackey
1:00
I don't buy the tired argument. Do they have enough key vets? Do they have enough depth scoring? Are they as fast simply because the league has caught up, and the Penguins have responded with additions like Reaves, Sheahan and Oleksiak? All, to me, are valid. But these guys live for this. Don't tell me playing 212 games or whatever it was from 2015-16 through the last Cup didn't make them tired, but game No. 237 is going to really do it. It's an easy excuse. Fact is, they're underperformed for much of this season. It's been execution, mindset, being flat-out incapable ... not just one thing.
Karen
1:00
Any chance of Cullen returning to the Pens?
Jason Mackey
1:00
I really don't think so, Karen. Minny's right there. Hard to see the Wild letting him go. I'll say this: The Penguins need someone like "Dad" right now.
Dave
1:01
This team is STILL in dire need of a legitimate third line center and no, Guentzel is not the answer.   At what point does JR say enough is enough and get what he wants and gives up whatever is required? And please don’t play the ‘well now that they are winning there isn’t a real rush’ card.
Jason Mackey
1:01
GMJR might not have what is required, Dave. Would you be willing to part with, say, Dumoulin, Sprong and a first-round pick? That may be the ask. It's not realistic, and I wouldn't do it, but you haven't seen anything because prices are high and Jim doesn't have a ton to offer.
Dave
1:02
Now that Murray is starting to have Jarry give him some competition for playing time and he hasn’t had MAF to bail him out, which Murray will we see going forward? The playoff performer or the current shaky, erratic performer?
Jason Mackey
1:03
For many reasons, I think you're going to see the Murray you're more used to seeing. No. 1 is because he's really that guy. He cares, wants to be better and will do everything possible to get there. No. 2, he's simply a better goaltender than what he's shown. A lot better.
Dave
1:03
Does the fact that the Pens have won back to back cups make rival GM’s less willing to make trades with them?  Is that playing a part in JR finding a center?
Jason Mackey
1:05
Could be. I can't say it's not. But teams are also going to try and improve their teams. Many GMs would trade with [insert maniacal dictator's name here] to make their team better. Fact is, it's entirely possible the Penguins don't have the means to do that. I.e., they don't have a ton to offer right now. Or at least enough to match what these guys think they can get.
BennyD
1:05
I saw Cody Franson was put on waivers... a couple years ago he seemed like a guy with potential.  Could he possibly be a Gonchar reclamation project/depth defenseman?  I’m assuming he would have a low price tag(?)
Jason Mackey
1:05
He was. But they didn't claim him. Nobody did. So, no. But I do like Franson and think he could be a nice fit here. It's useless to contemplate, though, because the Penguins, along with every other NHL team, passed on him.
BennyD
1:06
If the Pens choose not to make any ‘big’ moves to the roster I like Guentzal centering the third line.  Who might be some affordable role players that they could try and bolster the roster with?  I think Letestu (who is reportedly available per TSN) is an intriguing guy with a lot of versatility.  Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:08
No, no, no. They had Letestu once. How many parades did that culminate in? If Letestu is the best they can do -- I don't like Guentzel at center; I think he's more valuable to them on the wing -- I'd walk out of the store; no need to buy something in the bargain bin just to say you did. GMJR should identify guys who can fit within the Penguins' structure, who offer some years of control, and stick with those guys, in my opinion. Don't veer somewhere else out of desperation.
BennyD
1:09
Sully is a great coach but it seems like he maybe has personality conflicts with certain types
Jason Mackey
1:10
Such as ... ? And if he does, do you think it would be the first time that has happened. Reminds of "Remember the Titans." ... "I don't care if you like each other. But you will respect each other."
Dan
1:10
Hypothetically speaking if the Penguins made a trade this week would that player be forced to go to his new team or because of 5day players off week could he report after the vacation is over ??
Jason Mackey
1:11
That's a good question, Dan, but I'm almost positive that player would lose his bye week. He'd have to go to his new team.
HB
1:11
so how early do i need to get to Saturdays game to see the unveiling of the Daniel Sprong statue outside of PPG arena?
Jason Mackey
1:11
Seems that way, huh? Well, the team has been starved for offense, and he provides it.
HB
1:11
if the pens are going to insist they bench cole when ruthedal comes back do you think he can start over hunwick
Jason Mackey
1:14
Do I think that Ruhwedel will bounce Hunwick from the lineup, is that what you're asking? He should, I know that. Then again, I would be playing Cole over Hunwick.
HB
1:15
Do you think jimmy can work a package over cole hagelin and a first round pick and swing a new 3rd line center.
Jason Mackey
1:15
Sure. I don't think it's going to be the third-center anyone wants, but I'm sure he could get someone. Remember, please, that Hagelin isn't a terribly attractive option for other teams. For a premium guy, it's going to take more than you're proposing.
HB
1:16
I know the penguins tried their hardest but i still wish they were able to lock up will butcher the D-corps would look so much better with him in it.
Jason Mackey
1:16
Nothing they can do if the guy wants to sign elsewhere, for a team that offers him a better opportunity to play right away.
HB
1:16
do you know if crosby or malkin or anyone else is thinking about going to the Olympics?
Jason Mackey
1:16
They are not. They can't.
Joe
1:16
What's your feeling as to whether or not the Pens will make a significant trade--for center or LW--by the trade deadline?
Jason Mackey
1:17
I do think they will do something. Guentzel isn't the answer, and Rowney doesn't have enough offense for a third-line role. Don't know which route they'll go -- wing or 3C -- but I do think they'll do something. My guess is GMJR doesn't want to pay the going rate right now because it's probably insane.
Joe
1:18
Why wasn't Phil an all-star? Total joke. He, along with Geno, also were the best 3 on 3 players so far for the Pens and that's the format of the all-star game.
Jason Mackey
1:18
Agreed, Joe. I can't give you a great answer, other than to say I think there were probably some off-ice factors involved. Crosby is a better sell and more participatory than either when it comes to the off-ice stuff. Hockey-wise, it should've been Phil, and everybody in that dressing room will admit it.
Backseat driver
1:18
With the current team, can the Penguins win the Cup this season?  Most observers think no.  What realistic trade could JR do to improve the team?
Jason Mackey
1:24
Focusing on hockey only, I think Andrew Shaw could be a fit. But I don't like the off-ice stuff. I like Pageau from Ottawa, but I'm not sure of the ask. If they could get Bozak for a reasonable price, I'd like that, too. Could play with Phil. Keeps 87, 71 and 81 apart. UFA after this season. Could probably cut ties and trade Phil, too, if Sprong turns out to be the real deal.
Phil K
1:24
What do I have to do to make the All-Star team?  I was robbed.
Jason Mackey
1:25
By the Wet Bandits, Phil.
Just to add on Shaw: I like the age, fit, style of play, cap hit and years of control. ... Not that the Penguins are calling or that I think the off-ice stuff wouldn't be worth weighing. It would.
Rahn
1:26
Everyone rightfully uses the "win now" approach to this team with Crosby and Malkin in their primes, but keeping and using this first-round pick seems very important. They need another top flight, cheap player in the system and last draft's missed opportunity with Klim and a few other options reinforces this idea. No?
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