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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 11.29.18
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Jason Mackey
12:49
Hi folks. Welcome to my Thursday Penguins chat. Gonna try to pull this one off from 30,000 feet. Might be easy for some people, but when you're 6-foot-4, working on planes kinda stinks. Oh well. This will make the flight go faster. Fire away ...
James
12:59
Are we at the point yet where the Pens need to look for a long-term solution at goalie?
Jason Mackey
1:00
I don't think so, James. They're committed to Murray for this season and next, and I think that's the direction they would like to go. I also worry about how much he would fetch in a trade. Yes, the two Cups. But he's not at all durable and is coming off an awful start. I think Casey DeSmith has performed exactly like what he is: a 27-year-old who entered the season expected to be the backup. Also, there's likely no quick fix out there, especially for what the Penguins have to offer.
HB
1:00
Why do you think that Sprong would take shots away from Malkin and why would Malkin defer to a rookie?
Jason Mackey
1:01
Because the only way Sprong is going to prove his value is by shooting the puck, and I think if he drew that assignment, he would have to show he's worth it. Also, Malkin can't keep the puck away from Sprong 100 percent of the time. Not only is it impossible, but it's also dumb. But let's not get too crazy here. Do we really expect Sullivan to play Daniel Sprong in his top-six? C'mon.
Guest
1:02
Goaltending and our defensemen in the bottom two pairs are major issues. We need some help soon. Do you think JR agrees and what is he doing about it? Sounds like he tried for Montour, but there must be another plan.
Jason Mackey
1:03
I do think he will try to get another defenseman at some point. The problem, though, is what does that cost? Right now I think your answer is a lot, and the Penguins don't have much to peddle. Goalie-wise, I'm not on the bring-somebody-in-train. Casey has been serviceable. A couple games ago nobody wanted to trade for a No. 1. Why now after one so-so game against one of the NHL'
1:04
's best teams?
HB
1:04
When Shultz comes back will riikola be taken out or will it be who ever is playing worst at the moment?
Jason Mackey
1:04
I think it's whomever is playing the worst. Or they might do it depending on matchups. But I can say confidently that it won't be automatic that Riikola sits. They like him.
Guest
1:05
whats wrong with Malkin? He’s been really ineffective lately and we needed our 2nd and 3rd lines to take advantage of Colorado’s middle lines and they did not. Is he injured?
Jason Mackey
1:06
Good question. I don't think he's hurt, although if he was, I wouldn't expect him or the team to tell us. He has looked a little bit off, though. And the chemistry between him and Kessel has gone away. Not that they couldn't recapture something quick, but I see why Sullivan split them apart in Winnipeg.
HB
1:06
Why was Sprong taken out after his strong Columbus game it worked out but why do you think Sullivan made the move?
Jason Mackey
1:07
I think because Grant was healthy. It was Sullivan's first chance to get Sprong out, and he did. Many of you disagree. I do, too. But they like Grant much more than Sprong. We shouldn't be surprised.
Sidney Cup 87
1:07
Jason, Has anyone ever told Maatta to try to pump his legs, as fast as he pumps his arms while skating?
Jason Mackey
1:08
Maybe not. Maybe you solved the mystery of Maatta's skating. Pump the legs? Can't believe he never thought of that.
HB
1:08
Why does Errey not do inbetween the glass for most away games?
Jason Mackey
1:08
Because that spot is generally reserved for the visiting team's color commentator. In some places they allow two guys/girls to be down there, but not everywhere.
Mike
1:08
Goalies...so ummm, are there any that could possibly solidify the position (a la Vokoun or Tugnutt)? Not a superstar, but just a consistent vet?
Jason Mackey
1:11
They might be able to get someone to patch a hole, but I question how big that hole actually is. As I said before, I don't see Casey as a huge problem, at least one that's going to crater their season. Before Winnipeg, he was fine. The Jets are darn good. He's going to have below-average games. If this team is going to make a run at anything, though, Murray is the closest thing they have to a legit No. 1 ... and the closest thing they'll probably be to get.
rpk21774
1:11
Jason, it looks as if the scoring depth, goaltending and defense are still huge problems.  Stick a fork in them?
Jason Mackey
1:11
My goodness, people. They got two of four points against two of the best teams in the NHL. The world is not ending.
James
1:11
Do you think JSD can have a spot here now that ZAR has established himself on the 4th line?
Jason Mackey
1:12
Absolutely, although ZAR has been on the third line. I'd play Dea Saturday against Philly, to be honest. Sit Grant or Wilson.
Guest
1:13
Does JR really think this team has as good a chance as any Pens team to win the Cup as reported? https://www.nicholsonhockey.com/archives/2018/11/29/dreger-on-penguins... have too many unskilled forwards playing in the bottom six, our defense is horrible and the goaltending is bad. But other than that....
Jason Mackey
1:14
That page won't load, FYI. I think you're a little doom-and-gloom, but the point is there. Are they a playoff team right now? Yeah, probably. Are they a Stanley Cup contender? No, probably not.
Steven
1:14
Any chance the Penguins put in a claim for Zykov who just went on waivers? I recall you saying they'd previously expressed an interest.
Jason Mackey
1:15
Yeah, I think there's a very good chance, Steven. They were discussing him as an option a couple weeks back. It'll be interesting to see what they do, but I definitely think it's gonna get talked about.
Tyler
1:15
How many big trades do you see the Penguins possibly making this season. We all Know Rutherford is very active right now
Jason Mackey
1:18
I think GMJR maybe has two he could pull off: for a defenseman and a winger. Neither will be flashy, but I could see them getting more of a puck mover on the back end and a forward who could help their bottom-six.
Guest
1:19
Why does this organization have a love affair with ZAR? He doesn’t win a lot of puck battles, he loses his man on defense and produces turnovers and he’s always a half step late to the play. Yet I constantly hear rave reviews of him from the media and mouthpieces in the organization. What am I missing, because to me he seems to play too high up in the lineup to justify his usage?
Jason Mackey
1:21
He's only playing on the third line, first off. He's not supplanting Crosby. Secondly, he's still a young kid. He does those things in the AHL, and eventually they will translate to the NHL. But it sometimes takes time.
Northerner
1:21
Is it time to look at Wilkes for some help? Pens look like they need a blood transfusion.
Jason Mackey
1:22
I would give Blueger a shot. I don't know why he hasn't gotten one already. I'd look for Dea to be up here, and I'm curious to see what Prow can do. But a blood transfusion? They just won at Winnipeg after home wins against Dallas and Columbus. I think that might be a little harsh.
The Fan
1:22
The Pens have an analytics expert on staff.  Do the analytics support 3 to 4 minutes of ice time for a developing forward?
Jason Mackey
1:23
I'm not sure to whom you're referring? Sprong? ZAR?
Reginald Pufta
1:23
Greetings,Are the Penguins Contenders this year?
Jason Mackey
1:24
I think they're a playoff team. I think they have a ways to go before we start talking about them as Stanley Cup contenders.
Bruce
1:24
I guess on TSN radio this morning Dreger said that he could see the Pens looking to add another puck moving dman with the huge loss of Schultz but it isn't easy. Have you heard any names? I remember reading about Montour a few weeks ago.
Jason Mackey
1:24
No names, Bruce, although we know Jim has been sniffing around puck-moving defensemen for a while now, dating back to -- and probably even before -- it came out (from here) they were dangling Sprong.
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