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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 11.15.2018
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guest
1:28
why do the players all have those 80 mustaches going right now?  They might be bad luck so should be shaved. :)
Jason Mackey
1:29
Ha. I didn't think of that. It's Movember, so it's to raise awareness for men's health issues. They lose another one, and, yeah, the mustaches might go.
gopens8771
1:29
Hey Jason, which line sounds better for Pearson, Pearson-Malkin-Hornqvist or Pearson-Brassard-Kessel? Granted when Brassard returns.
Jason Mackey
1:30
I wouldn't put Pearson with Kessel right away ... which fits what you're saying. Kessel can be demanding as a linemate, and I wouldn't want to do that right away. The answer might be Malkin and Hornqvist now, then try him with Brassard when he gets back if the first option doesn't work.
PO
1:30
Stecher for Maatta with either sides adding a bit on. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:31
We've reached the point where we've gotten the second hypothetical Olli Maatta trade of the afternoon. Thought this happened in January and February.
gopens8771
1:31
Do you feel we'll get to see a Guentzel-Crosby-Hornqvist line any time soon? I believe that line saw some time in the playoff cup run in '17 and could also be a rock of a 1st line.
Jason Mackey
1:31
Yeah, I think that's possible, but Sid is out tonight and probably won't play for a couple games. Eventually, though, yeah, I think that's something they'll circle back to.
Colin
1:31
any chance Pens will entertain trading Brassard or making him a full time winger?
Jason Mackey
1:32
I think they will entertain both, yes. However, 1. He's not healthy and 2. Rutherford told me it will also depend on what sort of production they're getting from other people. Translated, that means if Riley Sheahan doesn't start scoring Derick Brassard is your third-line center. Also, if Derick Brassard doesn't start scoring, it might not be possible for the Penguins to move him, even if they wanted to.
May See Gray
1:33
It is ridiculous that GMJR says it's up in the air whether Brassard will play wing or center.  He's a center and a darn good one. Make Riley Sheahan adapt to playing wing or just bring up someone or sign someone else.  That 'conundrum' and the Jack Johnson signing are just baffling.  Nearly 20 games in and unfortunately Jack Johnson is not changing anyone's opinion.  No he's not the worst but let's be honest- he was not worth the money/term and now is an anchor that the coach is afraid to scratch.  OK, just had to vent a little.  Let's go Pens!
Jason Mackey
1:34
Haha. Thanks for the thoughts. I'm with you on Brassard. I think they need to pick one. I think they need to play Johnson where he's supposed to play. He's not a top-pairing guy. He just isn't. I'm curious to see what they do tonight against Tampa. I wouldn't drop him down in the lineup, to be honest; Tampa's skilled guys may make it a long night for him and the Penguins.
Mike in Kennedy
1:34
Why is Casey DeSmith always pegged as no better than a backup NHL goalie? His save % at every level every year has been very good. Remarkably consistent. Must have a lot of talent.
Jason Mackey
1:35
I only have him pegged that way because I cover the Penguins, and that's where the Penguins have him slotted. Do I think someone might sign him to be their starter once he becomes a UFA on July 1? Absolutely. I've written that, if he keeps this up, he may price himself out of Pittsburgh.
BVALEOPARDS25
1:35
This might be a stupid question but would there be a chance if the Pens would consider bringing Hagelin back in the summer or even this trade deadline of the kings are out of it??? Just a thought ya know
Jason Mackey
1:36
Ha. Depends on what the Kings are asking for, but likely not. I do think L.A. will want to flip him. Would be hilarious if they offered this Pearson guy, former first-round pick, name of Tyler or Thomas.
Jared
1:36
Are there any more trades possibly coming?
Jason Mackey
1:36
I would look for something to happen soon on Sprong. Other than that, it's wait and see how the team responds to this one.
me
1:36
With Crosby out tonight, who are the four centers?
Jason Mackey
1:36
Malkin, Sheahan, Cullen and Grant.
Frank
1:36
Hi Jason. What is your opinion on the way Jack Johnson has played thus far?
Jason Mackey
1:37
I think it's still early. I've been mostly OK with him in a third-pair role, although I'd like to see them find him a reliable partner and a consistent side and let him work through things. That hasn't happened. He's not a top-pairing defenseman, and the speed is ... noticeable. But I like some of the physicality he brings. I think he's been pretty decent on the PK, and he's willing to block shots. I want a little bit more time to decide, and I'd like Johnson playing in his proper place.
HB
1:37
Can you confirm or denied that Crosby’s upper body injure was a broken heart?
Jason Mackey
1:37
It is not his heart. Ha. Good one, though.
Colin
1:37
I think Matta would net them the most in a trade. what are the chances they pacackage him and sprong for a top 4 defenseman?
Jason Mackey
1:39
Next to nothing. ... A defenseman who everyone says is slooow -- for good reason -- and a dude who's not in the lineup and has just four goals in 38 NHL games (plus 0 PIMs, which is not an indication of discipline) ... nah, teams aren't clamoring for that. They're definitely not giving up top-four defensemen for that.
gopens8771
1:39
Not exactly a question here Jason but I'd just like to thank you for your time with these chats and always being accessible on Twitter. Much appreciated!
Jason Mackey
1:39
Thanks so much! I really appreciate that.
Tony
1:40
I don't think Sheahan's as good as Nick Spalling but is he at least as milquetoast? Also, why not bring Kunitz back? He cannot -in this universe or any parallel universe- be worse than Garrett -no points in 41 NHL games- Wilson.
Jason Mackey
1:41
I disagree on Sheahan. They're both not very good in the quote department, but that doesn't matter. Sheahan is much better on draws, killing penalties and playing defense. And I do think there's some scoring in there somewhere. With Spaling, I did not. ... And no, no Kunitz. If they send Wilson down, there's a much greater chance of them giving Teddy Blueger a chance ... as they should.
Scott
1:41
Hagelin was not a closer in regards to goals....but I am concerned that the Pens seem to be getting slower with each transaction ie...loss of Sheary, and now Hags and additions of Pearson and Johnson for example.  It’s a speed league.  How does GM justify this?
Jason Mackey
1:42
He's trying to get his players attention. He also thinks he's going to lose Hagelin after this year, and I think he's right. They think they're fast enough without Hagelin. You can disagree ... and probably do. But they're not overly concerned about the speed thing.
Craig
1:42
Chances of Hornqvist getting moved? Pens save a lot of cap and it’s a real statement from GMJR. It could allow them to get someone younger for Sid?
Jason Mackey
1:42
None whatsoever. Would be one of the last players Jim would trade. They need his voice, presence and work ethic big time.
FR
1:43
Mackey is it me or is the Penguin's organization in disarray at the moment?  It's a question of where in the world is Derrick Brassard?  Any updates on him?  Is he practicing?  And the whole handling of Daniel Sprong - regardless of his play how do the coaches justify sitting him in the press box night after night?  How is that move helping Sprong?  Tell me I'm off base here Mackey.
Jason Mackey
1:45
I think disarray is a strong term. I think they have some unanswered questions, and things don't always happen instantly -- meaning Sprong. Brassard is skating on his own. They're saying he should return to practice very soon. I'm surprised he wasn't there yesterday, but I don't have access to his medical records. ... They have guys underproducing (Rust, Sheahan, Cullen, Hagelin), guys hurt (Schultz, Crosby, Brassard), and they've been sloppy and borderline uninterested as a team. Oh, and the goaltending hasn't been enough to carry them through some tough times. That adds up to what you see.
me
1:45
Why have they always put Simon on Crosby's line instead of Sprong?
Jason Mackey
1:45
They -- I'm including Sid in this -- like his game and how it meshes better. That includes give-and-go stuff, corner work, defense, you name it. They think playing Sprong with Sid is like mixing oil and water.
dave
1:45
Since most teams are trying to get faster, won't that make it difficult to trade Maatta?
Jason Mackey
1:45
Yes, it will.
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