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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 11.22.17
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AJ
1:00
Random question: Kuhnhackl is listed as a RW on most hockey sites and I remember him playing RW for us in the past. Do you know which wing he prefers? Or which he played in Wbs/wheeling?
Jason Mackey
1:01
Hi AJ. He's played almost exclusively LW this season, but as far as I know, Tommy's good on either side. Believe he played a little bit of both coming up through the system. There's a logjam at RW on the NHL club's depth chart, though, so that's sort of why you see him at LW.
Guest
1:02
Jason, I know the team would like to improve Sprong's defensive play, but with the way the team has been struggling to score goals so far this year, and now with Malkin injured, why not just bring up Sprong and give him a chance to see what he can do? What's the harm?  His defensive play cannot be worse than Sheary, who plays full time.
Jason Mackey
1:04
I don't think we're far off from seeing Sprong up here. Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of Guentzel's debut; Sam wrote a great piece on it today, if you haven't seen it. The Penguins wanted Sprong to follow a similar trajectory. I think the bigger issue will become: Where does he fit? Who do you take out? But you're right. They need goals, and he can score.
Guest
1:04
Is Malkin going to be out for his annual 15-20 games now, or do you think he'll be back sometime this weekend?
Jason Mackey
1:06
Tough to say. I do think Malkin will take a little bit of a break. They've played a lot of hockey. I don't think he's hurt really bad. Watched him skate this morning. He looked GREAT. All that being said, if he was "injured" for two weeks or whatever, I wouldn't be shocked. They'll get him some rest somehow.
Guest
1:06
I love your articles talking to Rutherford.  Does he think the team just cannot play hard yet in November after two long playoff series?  I imagine it's hard to put in full effort every game for 82 games.  Have you asked him why they don't just rest some players alternatively on those back to back games and call up some WBS youth?  It can't be worse since they've lost every B2B game so far.
Jason Mackey
1:07
Thank you. I love doing them. Jim is amazing for a reporter. Very accessible. We're extremely lucky in Pittsburgh to have what we have, and I try to take advantage of it -- without being too annoying -- to get things that I know you guys enjoy. To your question: I've asked. Others have, too. The Penguins as a whole aren't huge fans of overtly resting guys the way you might see in the NBA. Part of it is hockey culture. It's also just the way they do business: to the max, all the time.
Joe
1:08
Given the team's play--mainly Sid, Letang, Jake who are underachieving--do you think JR is any hurry to find a trade for an offensive forward who has a scoring touch, whether that be center or LW?  Does he recognize that the team as constituted won't be winning a third Cup?
Jason Mackey
1:09
Ha. I think GMJR is aware of how to do his job. He didn't suddenly turn stupid after winning back-to-back Cups. There are times to do things and additional factors to consider. The market. Giving other guys a chance. Development of prospects and what they'll fetch. What NHL players could get if they start scoring versus when they do not. There's a lot of things that GMJR weighs in every deal. But, yes, I think he recognizes there's something else this team needs. He said as much when we talked last. Third line has to score. If the current players don't, he's not going to be shy about finding ones who will.
Kim
1:09
How do you think the Penguins can develop more discipline to avoid taking numerous penalties?
Jason Mackey
1:11
I do, Kim. And I think they need to. The Penguins probably won't admit this, but given how their roster is constructed -- with a lot of money in Crosby, Malkin, Kessel and Schultz, none of whom kill penalties -- this is probably going to be a part of their game that ... isn't as dynamic as, say, their goal-scoring or power play. That's OK. But it can't be awful as it has been. Easiest fix is to take less. A lot of their penalties are discipline-related, too. A lot of stick stuff. That's correctable.
Lauren
1:11
What do you think of Chad Ruhwedel's performance thus far?
Jason Mackey
1:12
Wonderfully boring. Not trying to be funny, Lauren, but I think Ruhwedel is the master at playing within himself. Doesn't try to be Letang because he knows he's not. He's never going to add a ton offensively or make you go "wow," but you're also not going to curse at him for doing something stupid. Very safe. Very smart kid. Perfect No. 7, although I think he could more on another team.
Logan
1:12
Who are the pens looking at? Rask from CAR? Galchenyuk? Tierney? Backup Goalies?
Jason Mackey
1:13
No on the backup goalies. They want to see how Jarry plays out. Don't know names on the center/forward/offense thing, although I have heard a bit about Galchenyuk and wouldn't doubt they've inquired.
Logan
1:13
When will Sprong be up? I’d bet if Geno is put on IR, Sprong would already be up.
Jason Mackey
1:14
I don't have an actual date, but I think it's going to be relatively soon.
Jim Rutherford
1:14
What positions am I looking to improve at the moment?
Jason Mackey
1:15
You need some additional scoring, Jim, likely from your third-line center position; that line needs to be producing more, and doing it more consistently, than it has for much of the season. I think Jarry's going to be fine in goal. Maybe an additional defenseman but nothing too expensive. Just a safe option should Ruhwedel wind up playing ... someone to avoid having to play Trotman and Corrado in playoff games.
Steven
1:15
Another Reaves question for you. With Malkin's absence, and Rowney seemingly being out tonight based off Kuhnhackl coming off the ice earlier than him, we're going to be seeing Archibald on the 3rd line. This would indicate the Penguins are aware of Reaves' shortcomings as a hockey player if he's getting jumped over by a guy who's managed 1 game so far this year (albeit not Archibald's fault, as he should be an every day NHL player).

With Reaves' shortcomings clearly evident to Sullivan (only got 3:30 against Chicago), and a deterrent effect being impossible to achieve in theory and no evidence of it working (Ekholm going after Crosby, Shattenkirk after Malkin et al), why does Sullivan persist with him in the lineup when the Penguins have been plenty comfortable without a fighting presence in the lineup for the last 2 years?
Jason Mackey
1:19
Oh, goodie. More Ryan Reaves questions. ... I wouldn't read as much as you're reading into this. Sullivan has a history of putting together lines that do a certain thing. If he goes Hagelin-Sheahan-Archibald and Kuhnhackl-McKegg-Reaves, I'd look at that as speed and physicality. ... I also wouldn't look at his ice time against Chicago in a vacuum. We've seen this a lot. When they're chasing games or killing penalties, Reaves doesn't play a lot. That's not his role. Chicago also isn't an overly physical team; the Blackhawks are fast. ... What you're basically asking is the same question everyone on that side of the argument asks: Why are they playing Reaves as much as they are? Am I right? One, because the GM likes the guy. Two, because the feedback from the team's stars is that they really like having Reaves in the lineup. Three, because Sullivan finds his presence useful. You're probably going to disagree with these reasons, but don't kill the messenger. I'm just telling you why they're playing him.
Dave
1:19
If JR could get a legitimate 3rd line center, a role player, and a 2nd or 3rd pick for Maata does he do it?
Jason Mackey
1:20
I'd think he'd at least consider it, but there's no Earthly way that happens.
Dave
1:20
Why all of the hostility towards Reaves? The guy is doing exactly what he was brought here to do.  People think he is 20 goal guy, he is not nor does management expect him to be.
Jason Mackey
1:21
I don't get it. I don't think he actually acts as a deterrent, but if Crosby wants him there and says he feels more comfortable with Reaves on the ice ... I'd be OK with Reaves being on the ice. The key is that the Penguins, of course, need to get offense from other sources, which hasn't happened. But the feeling I get on this from you guys is that Ryan Reaves is to blame for all of the Penguins' woes right now. He's not.
Dave
1:21
When does Pidan get his chance? I think the defense needs a dman with an edge that will hit, fight, and give opposing forwards something to think about. Nothing against Cole, but that defense is, in the words of the great Michel Therien ‘ SOFF’!!!
Jason Mackey
1:21
You want them to take out Ian Cole for Andrey Pedan? I would not hold your breath waiting for that to happen.
Guest
1:22
Something I’ve noticed is that the Penguins organization, as a whole, has been pushing Sid and Geno in the spotlight less over the last two seasons. Most of the promotions used to include an image of one of them and now, it’s a lot of the kids or hornqvist and cole, etc. Personally, I think this is awesome, but it does make me a bit curious as to why. Do you think it’s because the rest of the team has more personality/character (Cole, Rust, etc.) than in previous years that the fanbase has come to love or because the organization is trying to let Sid and Geno rest out of the spotlight when they can?
Jason Mackey
1:23
I think that's fair. I also think that the team has other players who are marketable and likable. So, why not take advantage? People love Hornqvist. We see it every time we write something about the guy. Can't blame the organization for capitalizing. I think everyone is seeing how smart and likably Matt Murray is. Same deal. Like any brand, if you're going to the same two wells over and over, that's going to get old. So they're spreading the love a little bit. It's smart business.
Guest
1:24
So, McDavid. He’s great, the next next one, etc. Do you think a part of why he’s so good, right *now*, is because he’s still new to the league? Crosby’s first couple of years were a dominate performance of “I’ve never seen anyone do that before!” until the league adapted and learned how to play against him. He still has his moments, but aside from his splitting 4 Buffalo D and scoring with one hand on the stick and a couple of bank shots that scored, when was the last time Crosby froze everyone on the ice with his play? My opinion is that McDavid is as good as he is right now because people are still learning how to defend him and that, over time, his performance level will taper to that which we see Crosby at now. My question for you, is do you agree?
Jason Mackey
1:25
No, I do not. The "league" sometimes knows what McDavid is going to do before he does it ... but he's still such a freakish athlete that it doesn't matter. Sort of like Crosby. Think about Crosby like this: There's a different between working hard and working smart. He's constantly in good position. And I would really disagree with the highlight-reel stuff. How many ridiculous plays.bank shots did we fawn over last season?
Guest
1:25
Is it true Crosby has an ice rink (synthetic?) in his basement?
Jason Mackey
1:25
He has a shooting area with a surface that is created to feel like ice with the stick/puck. There's something similar at PPG Paints Arena.
DO
1:25
Any insider tips on how to meet the players after a game? I’m not in Pittsburgh, and the one rink I tried to get autographs at (Prudential Center) has since built a gate.
Jason Mackey
1:26
Sorry. No clue. I'm usually writing on deadline. You're much better off going to practice, one. Two, for road games, they're generally bussing from the bowels of the arena to the airport -- I.e. not much interaction.
Chad in WV
1:26
I know this opinion may not be popular, but I think Ryan Reaves has done well. He lays hits, he can help with the cycle, and the few times he’s fought he’s won decisively. I also here 87 and 71 like him, much like they did Godard and Sestito. I do they don’t call the shots, but having a tough guy who can play and is a great team guy surely has value, right?
Jason Mackey
1:28
I agree with you, Chad. I think he's brought exactly what he was supposed to bring ... and people are upset about that. I feel like if they were playing better as a team, and scoring more, more people would be fine with Reaves' play. But because they've been up and down and haven't scored, suddenly Reaves is an issue. Anybody can say THEY don't want him in there, but guess what? Rutherford, Sullivan and the team's stars do. He's not going anywhere. It's pointless debating it.
team putin
1:28
any chance you will now admit I was right when I told you that Shero should have traded letang on the eve of the draft when is last contract was up for a crop of picks and prospects and hope they all did not turn out like Morrow, and Beau
Jason Mackey
1:29
Not a chance. Maybe try back again next week. Better yet, let's revisit this question in January, February and March, when I guarantee you this slump will be way behind Letang. But what do I know? I'm barely around it. Just ... every day.
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