You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 11.16.17
powered byJotCast
BH
1:26
What makes Geno more elite than Kessel? Obviously he is far superior but I am wondering what makes him that extra level of elite? And two, do you think the penguins can compete with a healthy and fresh Tampa team?
Jason Mackey
1:28
Second part first: yes, I do think they can. As much as they've struggled so far, I'm not overly concerned about the Penguins relative to the second night of back-to-backs, Kris Letang, defense, etc. They'll be fine. Their best players are better than Tampa's best, they need to address depth, I think their defense is better, and they have a better, more experienced goalie. As for Malkin, maybe the position? You're right, there's not a ton that separates them. Only other thing I would say is the ability to make those around you better. Kessel doesn't do that a ton.
Jerry
1:28
Are the new slashing standards playing a role in the team's defensive struggles?
Jason Mackey
1:29
I don't think so. Look at the Buffalo game. How many odd-man rushes did they allow? There are several things that went into that, but I don't think it has anything to do with the new slashing rules. I think their PK/times shorthanded numbers look like crap because they haven't totally adjusted. So I guess there's something there. But when I think defensive issues, I'm thinking more giving teams more Grade A chances than Sullivan would like.
dave
1:30
Do you think Letang's struggles are physical or mental?
Jason Mackey
1:31
Almost entirely mental. He's fine physically. He's one of the most gifted and hardest-working athletes in the NHL. He's also putting way too much pressure on himself. Also, with him, to tend to see his game continue one way for an extended stretch. Playing good? He might keep going, ride it, keep building, etc. Unfortunately for the Penguins, the opposite has sort of happened at times thus far.
Shawn Daxberger
1:31
Does crosby see a lot of pageau and pyatt line tonight?
Jason Mackey
1:31
Yes, I think so
Dave
1:31
is there a reason the same guys do not participate in the optional skates?
Jason Mackey
1:32
Phil never does. I think it's just how much you want to or whether you feel like you need it. Other guys might be nursing an injury. Crosby and Letang have always found their routines of skating hard the day before  and resting the morning of the game. Remember, too, that it's a status thing. You ain't gonna see Tom Kuhnhackl taking a morning skate off. It's a privilege that must be earned ... unless there is a legitimate injury that you're trying to rest/rehab.
MN
1:32
Jason, do you believe the pens being 10-7-3 or 10-10 is a result of a brutal schedule and them
Jason Mackey
1:34
I think it's a brutal schedule, a long season and them just not playing all that well consistently over a 20-game stretch. It happens. They're probably going to have a 20-game stretch where they play lights out, too. Maybe two of them, who knows. The water will eventually find its level. Bottom line, this is one of the best teams in the league. It will be after 82, assuming everyone stays healthy. If they're playing this way then ... I'd be really surprised.
JP
1:34
What are some of your personal preferences as to what players GMJR should target this year?
Jason Mackey
1:41
I still think it's kind of early. Personal preferences ... I'd say they do lack some of the character that guys like Kunitz and Cullen brought. I think GMJR would probably like to recapture some of that. That's not a shot at the Penguins room. There's just a certain amount of experience and calmness that those guys have over a long time in the league. The Penguins don't really have someone like that anymore, and they're finding out how valuable those guys really are when you struggle.
Chuck B. in D.C
1:41
Just a quick question.  I know Phil Kessel has a streak of continuous games, but would it hurt him to take the body and check someone once in a while?
Jason Mackey
1:42
Yes, it might actually hurt him. Ha. ... That's just not Phil's game. There's culture in hockey. Guys are known as hitters (Reaves) or not hitters (Kessel). If the latter starts running around, the opposing team is going to be like, "What the ... ?" Plus, Phil encounters few scenarios where he really NEEDS to throw the body around. He isn't a huge wall player.
Gary
1:42
Do you think JR is looking for a veteran backup goalie?
Jason Mackey
1:43
Tacitly. Not actively. Meaning he's monitoring things, but they've been happy with Jarry, for one. No. 2, the sample size has been too small. It has been good enough to keep going; the Penguins have had a chance to win both of Jarry's games so far. But they're still in an evaluative process here.
guest
1:43
do you get to travel on the team plane when you cover out of town games?  what are your favorite NHL cities to visit?
Jason Mackey
1:45
No, we travel commercial. Not with the team. Only a few teams allow that. Believe Tampa does. My top five would be: VAN, WSH, NYC, MTL and CBJ. Sneaky good are BUF and DET, though. Love the rust belt travel.
guest
1:45
Do you see Rowney getting back into the lineup when he is cleared?  As a center or winger?
Jason Mackey
1:46
That's a really interesting question. He definitely goes back in. I think probably at center, knocking McKegg out. Sullivan likes having Reaves in there, and I think Kuhnhackl has been very good. Although McKegg would give them another draw-capable guy on the fourth line, which is a plus.
Mike in Kennedy
1:47
Do we really need to worry about Jarry's development if he only plays about 25 games at the NHL level? After all that's about how many games college goalies play and THEY develop. And he's practicing against some of the NHL's best scorers.
Jason Mackey
1:48
That's a fair question, Mike. But we're talking about pro hockey development here. In the AHL, Jarry would be playing regularly. He could play more, get evaluated more, improve things against lesser competition. There's nothing that helps with that like playing games, either. I do think you bring up an excellent point about his development, though, in that it could be worse; being around NHL shooters every day isn't the worst thing he could experience.
JP
1:49
Do you think they should trade hornquvist before his contract runs out for a good return or keep him for the playoffs and more than likely lose him to FA
Jason Mackey
1:50
No way I'd trade Hornqvist right now. No way. They might think they can re-sign him, which I would totally endorse. But, yeah, they have the team to possibly win another Cup. Hornqvist is a huge part of that. They're not going to get a piece bigger than him on the open market. Keep it and take a shot at re-signing him.
FM
1:50
Do you think Sprong will be a very good NHL player?
Jason Mackey
1:51
I do. I think he could be a very good NHL player right now. His shot is nasty, his vision and playmaking ability way, way above average.
Kent
1:51
If Hagelin if flipped who do you play on LW with 71 and 81? Because I see Hagelin as the only great fit there.
Jason Mackey
1:51
I'd be fine with Rust in that spot. Maybe Sheary. I think Guentzel could work, too, but the catch would be Sprong fitting with Crosby. That's a bit of an "if."
Matt in Cleveland
1:52
Assuming GMJR gets another center before the trade deadline, do you see him getting someone with term who fits its over the next 2-3 years or a bigger-ticket pending UFA?
Jason Mackey
1:52
It depends on so much. One, is Sheahan getting better? I don't know. Two, what's available? And what's the cost? What if Matt Cullen becomes available? That would be smart, in my opinion. I think it's too circumstantial to make any sort of blanket assessment on what he'll do.
JP
1:52
Is this years Free agent class any good?
Jason Mackey
1:54
Yes, I think so. Definitely some elite players available. Maybe some questions on the depth. Check this out, if you haven't. From The Hockey News: http://www.thehockeynews.com/news/article/the-top-30-unrestricted-free...
Steven
1:55
Why do you say that Reaves won't be out of the lineup (in reference to the Archibald questions as before)? Is that your feeling or opinion or is that something you've been told from inside the organization?
Jason Mackey
1:55
The Penguins are extremely pleased with what Reaves has brought to the team. He's not going anywhere, aside from maybe a game here and there against teams that aren't at all physical or a rest night for him.
L
1:56
This is random, but any thoughts or further info on how it always seems to be Sid/Phil/Tanger who skip optional skates? Is it 100% their choice or coach/trainer suggestion too? Preference to rest up, just don't feel they need it, superstition, old age (LOL) etc? Always find it a bit surprising given my general impression of Sid & Tanger's motivation & work ethic and old stories about having to hide Sid's skates to make him take a day off, etc, and seems you might expect a captain and A to want to be there just to show leadership. Not criticizing them at all, just notice it always seems to be them and wondered why those three.
Jason Mackey
1:57
I mentioned before about it being a status thing. I think Sid and Letang might have also -- Phil has always taken the option -- discovered they feel more fresh without skating. That would be one guess. Some of this has also been developed through the playoffs. They did a lot of this then. So, in a way, it's kind of a continuation of their playoff routine.
JamesinNYC
1:57
You should invite Kessel for a hot dog, reaction alone would be worth it.  Is he MVP of the team so far?
Jason Mackey
1:57
Yes, I think so. He's been very consistent. No. 2 on my list would be Matt Murray, but I think Kessel has been really, really good. Has given them pretty much their only consistent source of offense.
Connecting…