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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 11.8.18
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dave
1:48
How about replacing Simon with Rust on the top line?  It might get Rust going, and Sid supposedly like playing with fast players.
Jason Mackey
1:48
Sure. Although they've tried that a few times recently, too, and it hasn't worked. They've even tried Sid with Rust and Simon with Sid -- again, to no avail. Doesn't matter his linemates. Rust needs to start finishing. Simple as that.
John
1:49
Has the coach lost faith in Murray?
Jason Mackey
1:49
I don't think Sullivan has lost faith in Murray, but i do think he thinks DeSmith is giving the team the best chance to win right now. And given their situation -- in dire needs of points to snap out of this -- he doesn't have time to monkey around with Murray's confidence. I'd say he goes back to DeSmith on Saturday.
Steven
1:49
Why do you think the team plays better in front of DeSmith than in front of Murray? Of shots at 5 on 5, DeSmith faces 52.78% from low danger areas, 29.17% from medium danger and 18.06% from high danger. Murray faces 38.29% low danger, 40.54% medium danger and 21.17% high danger. I think it's a little difficult to criticize Murray given he's facing a significantly higher amount of dangerous chances.
Jason Mackey
1:50
I think that's fair. But, honestly, I'm not sure I have an answer for you. Maybe because they feel like they need to be more responsible with the backup in there? Again, I'm kind of spitballing there. Can't say I've had that specific discussion with anyone.
dave
1:50
How about trading Kessel?  To me, he's seemed disinterested since they won that second cup.
Jason Mackey
1:51
I'm not about to fault Phil for the team's current problems. He's been the same player. Criticize that if you want, but he's been more of the solution than problem. Trading him would really piss off your fan base and probably also the majority of players in that room. I also question the return. Jim listened over the summer, but he didn't hear much.
Guest
1:51
Is there any sense that Brass just doesn’t want to play for the Pens? The theory has been floated around a bit online( which I do take w a pinch of salt)
Jason Mackey
1:52
Yeah, I think there's legs there. He'll never say it publicly, but I think Brassard would probably rather be a top-two center elsewhere ... or at least on those days where he's jockeyed between center and wing and finds himself playing fewer minutes with lesser linemates. That said, I don't think that's 100-percent the case. I think it's very much a bunch of unknown with Brassard on both sides, the player and team.
Nick
1:52
Considering the threat GMJR made do you see a move soon? If so when? And also, could they trade brassard given injury? Do they want to?
Jason Mackey
1:53
I think they could trade Brassard. He's making just $3 million and has a decent track record. Has to get healthy first. I think GMJR is going to make a trade at 4:47 p.m. today. Mark it down.
Mike
1:53
I realize they will never trade Sid nor should they.  But do you think shaking this team up could be major and involve Kessell, Letang, Geno or Murray?  I mean if you want a big return its not going to come from trading Sprong or Maata.
Jason Mackey
1:55
That's fair, Mike. But I'm not sure Rutherford is looking for the biggest return. I think he's looking for the right tweak in the most non-invasive way possible. Meaning, if you move Olli, you may have Juuso Riikola behind him for a fraction of the cost. But other teams wouldn't take a chance on Riikola because they don't know him. Betcha at least one GM knows Maatta and would give a chance. People know Carl Hagelin. They could backfill that spot, although it would be tough.
The guy
1:55
Do you think JJ chose us over some other teams because of what Gonchar has done to Schultz and Dumo?
Jason Mackey
1:55
Yes, I do. In fact, I know he did.
Guest
1:55
Can we stop acting like Sprong is the problem here and he needs to be traded? I’m including JR in that as well. He’s not playing well like many players so far but he should get a chance to play with Malkin.  I know the coach doesn’t like him but this organization needs to stop failing to develop young players by putting them into positions to fail and lose confidence in themselves...if they must trade him, they should get another young player back...this team is too old as it is to give away their young players...it’s not Sprong’s fault he’s waiver exempt
Jason Mackey
1:57
They did draft and develop Guentzel, Rust, Murray ... signed Sheary ... ZAR will be good, probably soon; signed him out of school ... they're not exactly terrible at it, but I see your point. Here's where I'm at with Sprong: I think you need to put him in a role where he can have success and then evaluate what you have. If he can't score with Crosby or Malkin, then I think it's fair to cut bait.
AlJohn
1:57
According to the NHL rules “A match penalty shall be imposed on any player who deliberately attempts to injure or who deliberately injures an opponent in any manner.” It’s obvious that Malkin has no intent to injure Oshie when Oshie ran straight into him making last nights call egregious. Can (and will) the league rescind the undeserved match penalty?
Jason Mackey
1:59
Hey AlJohn, I'm so sorry. I must've missed this. I'm the worst. Anyway ... I don't think they will rescind it. That doesn't happen much, as I understand it. I think you saw their stance with today's news there would be no supplemental discipline. But if they're truly trying to crack down on headshots, I have no problem with booting Malkin. At the time, it's hard to completely rule out intent. I think they should be tougher than they are. I'd be a hypocrite if I changed my stance because Malkin got ejected.
AlJohn
1:59
Did my first question about Malkin not send?
Jason Mackey
1:59
I just pushed it through. I'm so sorry.
Guest
1:59
I think this team might be better having a new voice, new ideas on the ice, whether that’s getting rid or Sullivan or some assistants...still don’t know what Recchi does well...teams have caught on about how to stop the Pens transition through the neutral zone and Sullivan seems to stubbornly keep to the same plan...they change it with good results in Canada but then returned to playing the same way at home with disastrous results
Jason Mackey
2:00
Thanks for your comments. I don't think this team would be better off without Sullivan. I think it would be better off if the players did half of the stuff Sullivan is trying to get them to do. They're playing in their own end too much, not moving the puck quickly enough. Sullivan can't trade for more mobile D or hop on the ice and move the puck for them.
Coxter78
2:00
Does Sullivan have it in him to play a more defensive system? Or his he to stubborn to switch from his usual system?
Jason Mackey
2:00
He might, but I wouldn't look for him to change anything as long as he has this personnel. Nor do I think he should. They're built for offense. They just need to be smarter about it.
ZAR
2:01
Apartment or hotel room?
Jason Mackey
2:01
Long-term hotel room. A fancier Residence Inn.
dave
2:01
Do you think they have any interest in Nylander if they can work out a new contract with him?
Jason Mackey
2:01
I don't think so. I don't see how that could happen, although you're not the first who has floated it, Dave.
Samson
2:01
And Delilah. No question, just a great jam.
Jason Mackey
2:02
One of my wife's top-five Dead songs, maybe top-three.
Guest
2:02
If the Pens lose again on Saturday, does a trade happen Sunday? Or if they win does a trade hold off? I don’t think 1 win will stop Jim though considering there’s still heavy issues needing to be addressed.
Jason Mackey
2:02
If they lose again Saturday, I can almost guarantee a trade. I'm not sure it doesn't happen before Saturday.
As you said, I think he knows this team has some issues. Doesn't need to be something hugely different, but status quo isn't exactly getting the job done.
Jean-Sebastien Dea
2:03
Hello Jason, Thanks for the article! Just wondering one question you didn't ask... I see "dad" Cullen playing right now, and I wonder if Pens directors are missing my 3 goals and 2 assists, and my young legs? ^_~
Jason Mackey
2:03
Matt Cullen is playing, and his skating isn't the problem. He needs to finish. But to answer your question, J.S., yes, I think the Penguins could use you right now. If you were here, I definitely think you would've have gotten a look by now.
Malkin_theBeast
2:03
I know "Geno" has been stick with me from the beginning, but do you like my second nickname: Malk_thebeast... sometimes I feel powerful and make things happen hockey wise! hahaha!
Jason Mackey
2:04
I'm not totally sure I understand what you said, but you sound excited about a nickname for Evgeni Malkin.
Steven
2:04
You're advocating for Sprong being placed in the top 6, but what kind of message does that send to the rest of the team that a guy who has shown absolutely nothing so far gets promoted solely because of pedigree? Simon started low in the lineup and earned his way up. So has every young player that's come in bar Guentzel, who was a much better player in the AHL that Sprong. Sprong has been completely ineffectual at 5 on 5, so why would you reward that because he has a shot?
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