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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 11.15.2018
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Shane Macgowan
2:03
Jack Johnson the boxer, great. Jack Johnson the hockey player, average with little punch. Now where's the pub?
Jason Mackey
2:03
Now I think you meant bar ... OK, got it.
Matt in Cleveland
2:03
I think the Hagelin/Pearson trade is something GMJR makes even if the Pens are in 1st place.  They get something for a UFA, who they most likely wouldn't resign.  And that something is younger, scores more, has played top 6 minutes on a Stanley Cup champion, and while slower than Hagelin, he's got above average speed and effective on the PK.   If they get healthy, Brassard and eventually Schultz, they'll be fine.  The big ? is if Murray can find his form.
Jason Mackey
2:04
I disagree, Matt. If they're in first, chances are Hagelin has done plenty to get them there. I hear you on Murray, though. That is huge. Might be the biggest question for them, honestly. Nothing against Casey DeSmith, but if he's their No. 1 come playoff time, that might be a little scary.
Kevin
2:04
Do you think the change in pad sizes is affecting Murray's performance?
Jason Mackey
2:04
No, I don't. I think his struggles have been mostly mental.
Guest
2:04
Is covering the Pens your dream job?
Jason Mackey
2:06
It's one of them. One day I would like to have the freedom to write about more than just one team ... whether that's as a columnist, features writer, whatever. But I love where I'm at right now, I love covering the Penguins and would be fine doing this a while longer. I just know one day I would like to make that transition, a fairly natural one in this business among beat writers who've put in their time.
BW
2:06
Jason, Why is Sullivan still stifling Sprong? There has to be more to the story as the team hasn't had four NHL RW's since Sullivan forced Reaves out.
Jason Mackey
2:07
I think they've punted on Sprong at this point. Have answered this plenty already, but they no longer see him as a fit on this team. Tonight is a perfect example of that. Can't play him with Sid or Geno. Isn't a bottom-six guy. Hasn't developed the way they wanted, and I think they're convinced it'll have to happen somewhere else.
Fred
2:07
How does John Manson sound?
Jason Mackey
2:07
Sounds like Josh's brother?
Norm
2:07
It seems like this team isn't playing all that well. And might not figure it out  (more of a comment really).
Jason Mackey
2:07
Fair, Norm. I can see why people feel that way. It's no longer early, and I think they know that.
Whacky ToMackey
2:08
Throughout the history of hockey every truly great player has had a consistent Robin as a line mate. Why not Sid?
Jason Mackey
2:09
I wouldn't say EVERY player has had that but a good majority, yes. Maybe because he doesn't need 'em? Maybe because he's had a few that have come and gone? Not sure. ... Although I think when we look back at Sid, I think we'll say he's had consistent linemates: Kunitz, Dupuis, Guentzel, Colby ... there have been others.
Gerard
2:09
You mentioned in an earlier response that the team has been sloppy and borderline uninterested.  That sounds like a recipe for trying to get a coach dismissed.  Is Sullivan losing the room?
Jason Mackey
2:10
I don't think so, no. I think they're just gonna be themselves sometimes. I don't know. It's like something in the water in Pittsburgh. Like when you play here, you have to have xxx amount of games each season where you take unnecessary risks, play a little sluggish and have clunkers. There have just been more than anyone would like to this point.
Jon
2:10
Wow - Pens4Life with 5 straight questions.  A natural hat trick +2!  Sign him!
Jason Mackey
2:11
Ha. Thats typical from Pens4Life.
btnev1
2:11
Hi Jason. This past summer I had the chance to catch the Pens Prospect Camp. And had a chance to talk to Mario's son Austin. A really nice guy. And I asked him why he wasnt drafted. And his response was he was to old. He is 23 now.....is there a chance when he is done with college the Pens will take a long look at him.  To me he looks pretty good on the Ice.
Jason Mackey
2:11
Yes, Austin is very nice. I agree there. I don't see why not. I mean, his dad does own the team. But there's a lot of time between now and then, and I think Austin needs to improve quite a bit, too.
Flower Power
2:11
Who are the Pens going for right now???Nylander??? Another bottom 6???
Jason Mackey
2:12
They're going to wait and see how this all plans out. Honestly, other than Sprong, I see defense as the next area Jim might target if things don't get better.
JR
2:12
Just got update that Vasilevskiy is out. With Murray back in the net, this feels like a must win to get back on track. Too dramatic?
Jason Mackey
2:12
No, they need to win this one tonight. It's not a literal must win, but they really, really could use two points tonight.
Jerry
2:12
Hi Jason.  Marta's game has changed a lot from his first two years. He used to be a lot more involved in the offensive zone. Do you agree?  If so, what do you think has led to him being less of a scoring threat now?
Jason Mackey
2:13
I'm assuming you mean Maatta? I'm thinking it's because he doesn't want to lose himself defensively. Or lose his positioning, I should say. And because of the skating -- I don't know why it's gotten worse -- he sort of has to play more cautious like that.
Mark in VA Beach
2:13
Jason, any chance Mike Sullivan's job is in peril if this team doesn't start getting it together?
Jason Mackey
2:13
None.
FR
2:13
So what happens if the Pens lose to Tampa tonight?  The inevitable Sprong trade will happen followed by a trade involving Maata?
Jason Mackey
2:14
I can see the first part going down. Not sure on the second. I think Jim will try. I know he has tried. But he's not going to do something just to do it. Also, it'll depend how they play. If they're good and the puck just won't go, that's one thing. But if they're sloppy, uninterested and whatever, that's obviously a different story.
Pens4Life
2:14
Do any of the more seasoned vets at the Post Gazette ever offer you any constructive criticism on your writing? Ed ever give you any advice on your stories? Gerry or Dave Molinari too?
Jason Mackey
2:15
No, they don't. I would welcome anything those guys ever said. They're my idols along with people like Ron, Gene and even Joe. But I'm guessing they're plenty busy with their own stuff.
FR
2:17
If this team does not turn it around and continues its losing ways, who do you think deserves more of the criticism?  Stubborn HCMS or the wheelin and dealin Rutherford?
Jason Mackey
2:18
Honestly, the players. But if you make me pick between the two, I'd go Rutherford. Even if Sullivan acquiesced and played Sprong in the top-six, would that fix all their issues? No way. Sullivan can't make the defend. He's tried. He can't make them care. He's tried. If they stink it up, I think it might be fair to question how they're built, but there's only so much Sullivan can do.
Mike in Kennedy
2:18
What strategies can a slower, but talented team use to mitigate against the speed of a faster team?
Jason Mackey
2:19
Well, for one, they can play faster than they have been. Get the puck, keep it, cleaner breakouts, etc. ... But they could play a more physical style, which the Penguins aren't built to do. They can also go kinda east-west and use more skill and deception. Malkin tends to play that way. They can also try to set up shooters more, guys like Phil to get them open looks from in the zone. Just a few things. There are obviously many.
Bill
2:20
Good snowy day  to you young fellow.  If the state of the Penguin Organeyezation continues to track as it's tracking now and GMJR makes a big deal, the guy that sticks out for  me is Kessel.  Market him on a team like LA with a center to feed him all night long and he scores 40 goals.  In return, Pens get a lottery spot and some middle pairing D or second or third line help - i.e. depth.   Is Kessel untouchable?
Jason Mackey
2:21
I don't think Kessel is untouchable, but it would take a lot. And I'm not sure L.A. would have much interest, to be honest with you. Do they have the centers to do what you're saying? I don't think they do. And I don't think they could give the Penguins anything back that would make the deal worthwhile. I think the Penguins would be better off keeping Phil -- one of their only consistent sources of offense -- than they would trading him.
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