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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 12.05.25
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SDWC
12:20
Are we close to swapping Silovs for Murashov?  Or can’t that happen without risk of losing Silovs?  I don’t know the waiver rules for hockey as well as baseball.
Jason Mackey
12:20
I'm not worried about losing Silovs. But I don't want to sit Murashov. As long as Jarry's on the ice, I'd keep Murashov in the AHL and allow him to play. That's what's best for him. Let a backup back up Jarry.
Jason
12:21
I live just outside of Tampa and didn’t make the game but boy was that entertaining. My question is what do you think is missing to get them to contend for a cup this year? They seem to be solid to make a run and do you think the GM might add to get them over the hump or trade away for his longer term goals?
Jason Mackey
12:22
I agree it was a very fun game, but Jason, I want what you had. In other words, I can't possibly see the Penguins as Cup contenders. A playoff team, sure. But they don't have the scoring, depth, likely not the goaltending. They're just not a Cup team.
Joel
12:22
Jason, what gives? Are you off the Pirates beat already? Is this Penguins stuff just a temp fill in move? I’ve been waiting for a piece from you on the Oviedo trade. If you made any announcement on your shift in responsibilities, I missed it.
Jason Mackey
12:23
Yeah, I announced it on Twitter. We didn't need another printed announcement from me. Ha.

I'm helping out with hockey for two months. Matt Vensel became an editor. We had a need. I have experience. I couldn't write on the Oviedo trade because I was writing on the Penguins game last night. Sorry.
Sam
12:23
If their players were not allowed to join their home country, could the Avalanche medal in the Olympics?
Jason Mackey
12:23
The way they're playing, you'd have to think so. Guess we'll never know, though.
Ryan
12:23
what do you think about the play of Bryan Rust the game is Philadelphia he did good Let’s go pens
Jason Mackey
12:23
He's been awesome, Ryan. Speaking of the Olympics, I hope he winds up on Team USA. He deserves it.
12:28
I'm through the questions, gang. For anyone unfamiliar, I'm happy to answer anything and everything. If you're feeling shy, don't be. Fire away.
Jason
12:33
Just to follow up the pens have second best save percentage at .915 during 5 on 5 they are 3rd in the NHL oh high danger scoring (13.5) per 60 mins they have the number 1 power play PK is 5th in the league are you maybe not giving them the shot I think they have for the cup?
Jason Mackey
12:38
I mean, you can call me a hater or negative or whatever you want. They're also allowing the 12th-highest rate of SCA/60 and 10th-highest in HDCA/60. If the goaltending regresses, they're gonna be in for it. Also, they very well could trade their No. 1 goaltender because it makes sense. You're allowed to think what you want. Nobody truly knows. But I do not consider the Penguins deep or talented enough this season to win the Stanley Cup.
Serenade
12:38
Is there something in the water in WBS? Players who struggle here seem to go down there and find their footing--Jarry last year, Graves this year. Is it just a great coaching staff?
Jason Mackey
12:41
I think it's a very good coaching staff, sure. I like what they did with Graves, rebuilding his confidence. They did something similar to Phil Tomasino. I think the common denominator is merely to get through to guys. That means different things. But once that happens, others listen. The players also deserve credit.
Tim
12:41
If the pens remain in playoff position closer to the trade deadline, do you see dubas making any moves to try to get them closer to being a contender this year or is this still a long term plan no matter what?
Jason Mackey
12:45
Umm ... this is a tricky one. Could be fascinating to watch play out. Number one, we don't know. And I would lean toward more of a do nothing approach (independent of Jarry). Not much out or in. Have to preserve prospects. I could see them trying to acquire someone who would be around multiple years. But I don't see how that guy is available if he's any good.
JollyRoger8
12:46
The Pens have been a very exciting team so far this year. However, I have never seen so many 2 and 3 goal leads disappear and their OT losses are worrisome. Why can’t they shut the other team down in the 3rd.?
Jason Mackey
12:47
If I had that answer, I'd bottle and sell it, my friend. Been a combination of things. Maybe not realizing what it takes to close out games? Poor goaltending at times. They've been sloppy. Other teams get paid, too. It's been all kinds of stuff, honestly.
Sam
12:47
If you ever speak to middle aged retired players, do they ever wish the sports training/medicine techniques, and equipment that are available now were available then.  I keep seeing things on my social media about Crosby's numbers at 38 vs. Gretzky who had like 9 total goals that year and was clearly done.  I can't imagine it's because Crosby is 5x the player Gretzky is.
Jason Mackey
12:48
Yeah, that's part of it. But even doing all that stuff, it doesn't guarantee you stay healthy. But, like, Matt Cullen comes to mind. He used that stuff to extend his career. Really, really took care of himself. There are others -- like Phil -- who would have had to have things work out for them. Ha. (Phil was still incredible, not ripping on him.) I just think it depends on the player.
Jason
12:48
I just looked at the 2016 stats pp was 16th PK was 5th SV% was .918 2nd in the league scoring goals 3rd. This tells me they are on track and might need to add some scoring at the trade deadline. This is why I asked if the GM should add a few things instead of trade away for future goals.
Jason Mackey
12:50
I would be fine with them adding, if they could do it smartly. I just don't think they're using the 2016 thought process of giving up to get and pushing toward a SC. That was the goal then. They wouldn't object now, but they're thinking a little further out than they did a decade ago.
Paul
12:53
Hayes was really rough last night. When Brazeau is back, is it a simple switch between those two in the lineup?
Jason Mackey
12:54
Not sure. I'm not sure they know. I'd find a way to get Brazeau back in. I know that. I wanna see that line with Malkin & Mantha. Hayes is one option. So is Novak.
Paul
12:55
Thoughts on this idea for the “three point game.” Keep 3 on 3, but if you score in OT, the losing team doesn’t get a point. Only if it reaches shootout will both teams be assured a point.
Jason Mackey
12:55
I don't hate it, Paul.
JollyRoger8
12:55
The “Kid Line” was great last night. Fast and tenacious. But I also enjoyed having Kindel on the top line with Sid. After all you can’t have a better nickname than “Bennie and the Vets”
Jason Mackey
12:56
Hahaha. That is good. But I think they're a more productive team if it's Bennie and the non-vets. Especially if you swap Hayes for Rickard Rakell.
John in SC
12:56
Really enjoying the Pens. They were not supposed to be anywhere near this good. Likely not a SC team but is there anyone else out there more deserving of Coach of the Year than Muse?
Jason Mackey
12:57
There are candidates, sure. I think we just need to let it play out. But I'm more than comfortable saying this: Muse has been damn good. Great hire by Dubas. Knows what he's doing. Has gained players' respect. Hardly out of place. I've liked him a lot.
Tim
12:57
Any thoughts on the PP units when Rakell gets back - don't know if I would want to change anything at this point
Jason Mackey
12:57
Took the words right out of my mouth. Best in the NHL. They're 5 for 8 this week. At least 1 PPG in 14 of 26. No, I'm not changing anything with the top unit.
12:58
OK, folks. That does it for me. I need to pack up and get to my hotel. Thanks so much for adjusting to Friday. Should be back on Thursday next week. Enjoy the hockey game!
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