JotCast | Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 11.1.18

Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 11.1.18

Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page

STL

1:33

Jason, I think to increase excitement, it's not so much about actual scoring but about more scoring chances. I feel like now teams just collapse on the area in front of the net and it is so hard to get shots through. Wanted your thoughts about two things: 1) What about widening the rink by a few feet, give the great playmakers more room to create plays and 2) Need to do something to discourage the players from blocking shots. What about minimizing their equipment instead of messing with the goalie equipment? Is there another idea?

Jason Mackey

1:33

Were it up to me, I would make blocking shots illegal. Lay down in front of a slapper? You're gone. I don't wanna pay money to see Craig Adams get hit with pucks. I wanna see exciting plays and exciting players with speed and skill. I'd be OK with either solution, but I think the answer might be even simpler.

1:34

What do think the lines look like by Christmas? Does Simon stay on Sid’s wing? Does Brass ever stay healthy or will he be moved?

Jason Mackey

1:35

If I had to make a prediction based on what I've seen, I don't think Simon stays on Sid's wing, and I think they try to trade Brassard for a defenseman. That caveat with that second thing is that they probably need another D to get hurt before they admit they need someone else. ... On Sid's wing, I think it'll rotate. Simon might get some reps, but I don't think he's going to achieve Guentzel-like status there.

Guest

1:35

Is Hagelin-Malkin-Kessel the new HBK line? And if Hagelin walks in free agency this summer, who’s the ideal replacement on that line? ZAR? Someone from free agency?

Jason Mackey

1:36

I don't know about HBK because that was more a third line that waaaay over performed. Hagelin-Malkin-Kessel is just two superstars with the perfect third wheel. They're good, but they're expected to be good. ... As for Hagelin, first, I think the Penguins try. But I also think he'll want to go to market. ... If they lose him, maybe Di Pauli, if he develops enough this year. It could be ZAR, but I'm not sure he provides the same element as Hagelin; it might not be a perfect swap because of the different in speed. Di Pauli has the wheels. Need to figure out if he can do everything else. If not, try to go get someone.

Jake

1:37

Jason - have you tried my milkshake from the Milkshake Factory yet?! Do you like it?

Jason Mackey

1:37

I have not Jake, sorry. I do want to, though.

1:37

Does it seem like they've had more bad line changes this season than last season?

Jason Mackey

1:38

I don't know about more, but they did struggle with that against the Islanders on Tuesday. Not sure why, either. ... I don't think it's out of the ordinary. The Penguins -- and really all hockey teams -- have momentary lapses of good sense. I think that's what you saw more than anything.

Pens4Life

1:38

Do the players like to get those western road trips out of the way early in the season like this?

Jason Mackey

1:39

I wouldn't say "get out of the way." They do like them, and they're fun trips. I think they like for them to be strategically placed -- I.e. to get something out of them. And this year they hit the jackpot. Western Canada was a good bonding experience. Western U.S. in January will be a terrific snowbird trip, get out of Pittsburgh in the dead of winter, break up a long season.

Pens4Life

1:39

Did you not go on the recent Canada trip?

Jason Mackey

1:40

I did not. My wife gave birth to our second son two weeks ago. When we did the travel schedule, we knew it would be too close to her due date ... so Matt went. I was supposed to go to Toronto, but Teddy was actually born that morning.

Pens4Life

1:40

You often mention about how hockey players are a different breed of athlete in terms of being down-to-earth. That said, there certainly have to be instances when some players don’t particularly get along personally, but they park that and it’s all business on the ice. Not naming names, but are there any players on the Pens who don’t necessarily mesh personally or get along off-ice?

Jason Mackey

1:41

Honestly, no. There are degrees of friendship. Obviously Geno is better friends with Phil or Hornqvist than, say, Chad Ruhwedel. But there's a really good back-and-forth between guys. If there's any dislike there, they really, really keep it to themselves.

Guest

1:41

Grant has looked like a ghost out there...any chance they bring up Blueger or someone else in WBS to play center while Brassard is out? Rather see a prospect get a chance....

Jason Mackey

1:42

Grant is a good player. Scored 12 goals last season. He should be doing better, but I see what you're saying. He hasn't done much. I wonder if he wouldn't be a trade candidate. Not sure if he's fitting in here. Might be better elsewhere. The problem with going to Blueger, though, is you want him to keep playing. If he has Grant's role and everyone is healthy, he won't.

Pens4Life

1:42

With Schultz out, what are the chances JR adds another top 6 d-man anytime soon? Saw this rumor and wanted to know what you think: https://www.pensburgh.com/2018/10/24/18018108/pittsburgh-penguins-trad...

Jason Mackey

1:43

I'd love to know where the Penguins would get $5 million (or the prorated portion) to fit Edler. That ain't happen.

*won't.

Guest

1:43

I know it’s early but do you think it’s time for someone besides Crosby/Malkin/Kessel to start producing more? Sheahan, Rust, and Sprong have essentially been non existent so far this season.

Jason Mackey

1:44

I think Rust could be producing more. Sheahan? Eh, I don't know. Maybe. But he's a fourth-liner playing fourth-line minutes. How much more are we looking for here? I think their depth scoring has been good enough. I do think those three have more to offer, but I'm not sure it's been a problem thus far.

DIlly

1:44

Jason - MM keeps talking about how if he was coach, he'd have the Penguins trap and attack off the rush instead of trying to be the fastest team in the league still (which they obviously aren't). Do you think Sullivan can/will adapt, or is he starting to fall into the same mold as Bylsma where he refuses to change because something worked in the past?

Jason Mackey

1:46

I don't disagree with Mark. Several teams have caught up to the Penguins, and pure speed is no longer something that puts them in this small, exclusive club. That being said, I think they already have adapted some. And, no, to address your question, I don't see the same sort of stubbornness coming from Sullivan. The dude's a hockey geek -- in a good way. He loves this stuff. He loves the challenge of trying to figure something out, however it must be done. If Sullivan thought the Penguins could win by playing five defensemen at once, or putting skates on your hands, if it's inside the rules, I think he would do it.

1:46

When Schultz returns, does GMJR waive Ruhwedel or does he keep him as the 7th and move out someone like Maatta?

Jason Mackey

1:47

It depends on what Riikola does. If Riikola sticks, then you maybe have to consider keeping eight -- assuming everyone is healthy. If Riikola doesn't, there's your answer. It's my belief they're worried about crossing that bridge when they come to it.

1:47

68, 87, 71,29 for sure get retired but what does it take for 58? Another cup?

Jason Mackey

1:47

I'd retire 58 now. I think he's there.

Guest

1:47

Do you think there’s any other “found gold” in the pens system or upcoming like they got w Guentz, sheary etc and Riikola

Jason Mackey

1:48

Eh, honestly, no. Miletic has been good -- but now is hurt. Angello, Lafferty, yeah, some. But not to that level. Wish I could give you a better answer, but I think that has run its course.

Guest

1:48

Jason, what about Adam Johnson as a Hagelin replacement? What does the team think about him?

Jason Mackey

1:49

Maybe. He has the speed. But the corner stuff, defensive work, a smidge of physicality, being a really good PK guy ... I'm worried if Johnson is going to be OK with that (sizable) amount of responsibility.

Pens4Life

1:49

Every athlete claims they never pay attention to what's said in the media. I call BS, but do you know if anyone in the organization reads these chats?

Jason Mackey

1:50

I don't know about these chats specifically, but they do read. Usually via the clips email the organization sends out with everything we've written. Also, and probably more so, they know what we tweet. Beware the burner accounts!

Guest

1:56

How much does Mario get involved with the organizations team decisions ? How often does sid?

Jason Mackey

1:57

Very little, honestly. And it's why the organization loves him and Burkle so much. They empower people to do their jobs, whether that's Morehouse, Rutherford, Sullivan, etc. Then they leave them the heck alone. They hang out and socialize, sure, but they rarely dictate what they think should happen, especially not with hockey.

DIlly

1:59

Thanks for taking the time to chat each week!

Jason Mackey

2:00

My pleasure, Dilly. I love doing these things, trust me. Thank you for participating.

guest

2:00

Did you get to talk to Kunackle when he was in town? I always wonder if players like him miss being here with this organization and with his friends.

Connecting…