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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 12.20.18
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copall
1:16
Three or four times already this season the Pens followed a few less than inspiring games against average opponents with an inspiring win against a really good team. Do you sometimes think they need the pressure of quality competition to get up for games?
Jason Mackey
1:16
Yes, I think that's fair. I'll be interesting to see how they handle themselves tonight. Can they build on this one? That's the big story here for me.
Jer
1:17
How desperate is GMJR TO MAKE a trade? Is he ready to get rid of brass and what does that mean to Vegas being they helped get him
Jason Mackey
1:17
He's not desperate at all. HIs team just went on the road and beat the defending Stanley Cup champs. Jim is aggressive and entertains a lot of things, but I wouldn't call him desperate.
Mario
1:17
Who's in and who's out for the game tonight?
Jason Mackey
1:20
We'll find out when Sullivan talks at 5, but I would expect Riikola to be in for Oleksiak, Simon to play and DeSmith to get the start in net.
Chance
1:20
Have you heard about any defenseman the pens are looking at via trade?
Jason Mackey
1:20
I have not Chance, I'm sorry. I think they got their defensemen in Marcus Pettersson, to be honest.
Bill
1:20
Any word on Oleckziak in terms of injury status?
Jason Mackey
1:20
No. We'll find out when Sullivan talks at 5.
HB
1:20
Do you know why they played wilson over grant last night?
Jason Mackey
1:21
My guess would be in case anything got ugly with Tom Wilson. And just overall, Washington and its style ... a little bit of a tougher play Wilson > Grant.
Officer Sorrows
1:22
Is there any word on how the Penguins org feels about Zachary Lauzon’s future? Despite being a 2nd round pick, he had an abysmal 2017-18 season and now hasn’t played at all this season due to injury and he’s actively being pushed out by his team who acquired Noah Dobson and needs to move him to comply with QMJHL roster rules.
Jason Mackey
1:23
There has been no word, I'm sorry. That is something to look into, though. Thanks for the reminder. ... With everything else going on with the NHL club, haven't asked about Lauzon in a while.
Jo
1:23
19 play isn’t that well so where can you see him play next reason and what’s his contract look like?
Jason Mackey
1:23
He's an unrestricted free agent after this season. Almost definitely he'll be gone then, if not before.
Guest
1:23
I may be alone in thinking this, but... Doesn't Jack Johnson seem to be playing pretty good lately? Or, is it just me? It's probably just me.
Jason Mackey
1:24
I think it's heresy if you say anything good about Jack Johnson in this space.
Reston Steeler Fan
1:24
Does the NHL have any plans to change the current playoff seeding format?
Jason Mackey
1:25
I think they're going to revisit it over the summer, but I do believe there's enough who like this current way -- I don't know why -- that it's hardly imminent.
Rob from Louisiana
1:25
Jason, why do you think the pens can will a hard fought, playoff calibe, win like last night but also the game before lose a 2 goal lead and seem like they don’t have an energy? And how do you think it’s fixed?
Jason Mackey
1:26
Honestly, Rob, I think some of it has to do with cockiness for lack of a better term. They thought they were OK up two the past two games. They survived a bit, but it's hardly sustained, and it bit them against the Ducks.
JohnAl
1:26
Brassard does help his linemates, is solid defensively and does win battles. But why let that get in the way of the Penguins media's latest scapegoat? Gotta trade a 3C away for reasons and stuff. Because he was somewhat aloof in interviews, he clearly hates it in Pittsburgh. It hasn't been the most natural fit, but dear god is the overreaction fierce on this one.
Jason Mackey
1:28
Boy, JohnAl, you REALLY like you some Brassard. I respect the opinion, but just because you don't agree with mine, all of a sudden Brassard is "the Penguins media's latest scapegoat?" He doesn't have a point in 13 of his last 17 games.
Normie
1:28
Hi Jason
Jason Mackey
1:28
Hi Normie.
Paul T
1:28
Any chance that there could be a Jack Johnson/Derek Brassard trade?  Do you think Rikkola could slide into Johnson's spot and be as effective?
Jason Mackey
1:28
Only if the other team will give the Penguins all of its good players. ... Yes, I think Riikola could be close. But you're not going to get another team to take on Johnson's contract. You're just not.
FR
1:28
As much as the Penguins have had some success recently, there is still something missing with this team.  Can Sullivan really justify having the likes of ZAR, Garrett Wilson, and Derek Grant in the lineup?  The 4th line is streaky and to me is still lacking.
Jason Mackey
1:30
I think he can. Two of those three played against the Caps and won. If they continue to win, why not? Now, they probably need to produce more to make it sustainable, but there's a salary cap; your top guys make a lot of money; there's only so high they can go in those other spots. Yes, I think Blueger and Di Pauli deserve shots, too. But if they're winning games like last night, I think it's tough to justify wholesale changes.
JohnAl
1:30
Also, Di Pauli is injured. It takes about 10 minutes to do some research on the AHL.
Jason Mackey
1:31
Thanks, JohnAl. If I'm such an idiot, maybe it's time for you to find another chat.
Paul T
1:32
Jason,
Jason Mackey
1:32
Yes, Paul?
James
1:32
in this day and age with head injuries so scrutinized how can the NHL turn a blind eye to vicious hits and fighting?
Jason Mackey
1:32
It's a good question, James. But it is part of the sport. Sort of -- although not totally -- like boxing. It's always been there, and there will probably always been some strand of it.
Josh
1:32
Jason, with Brassard's struggles, is there really even a market out there currently for him? If so, would they contemplate calling up Teddy Blueger to fill the fourth line center role and bump Sheahen/Cullen to third line center? Also, at this point, what can be done to get more consistency from the forwards' defensive zone play? It seems like even with their wins over the last week+, the consistency is still not there as multiple goal leads are still being surrendered regularly.
Jason Mackey
1:34
Hi Josh. I think there would be a market. He has a solid track record and will be a UFA after the season -- I.e. low risk. Plus, I think the sell would be lack of fit. ... That would be a bit of a stretch on Sheahan or Cullen, and they would have to give Blueger a chance first. ... Would also be interested to see what they could get back in the way of a third-line center. ... As for what can be done ... I don't think a ton tactically. Sullivan is trying. Much of it is on the players.
JC
1:34
Hi Jasoni hope you and your family have a great Christmas. My question to you is, do you think the pens have any interest in Parayko ? I don’t know if you caught it or not but Darren Dreager was in NBC and listed some defenseman the pens might have interest in he was one of them. Who do you think would be a good right shot defenseman? One other question do they add a guy to there top 6? Do you think Brass or Phil are likely to be traded? Thank you
Jason Mackey
1:35
Thanks, JC. I think they would have interest, yes, but I think the acquiring cost and cap situation would make it impossible, to be honest with you. Would love him back there, but I don't see it happening for myriad reasons. ... I think there's a possibility on Brass, no on Phil. ... Top-six probably not. They have enough there. Thanks.
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