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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 1.4.18
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Jason Mackey
1:35
Yes, I do.
BennyD
1:35
In past chats you have suggested the timing wasn’t good for a Kessel trade because his value wasn’t high enough— if that’s the case wouldn’t now be the ideal time to cash in on his hot streak this season?  In order to make a substantial difference in a trade the Pens will need to give up some value to get some in return.  Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:36
I agree with you. The question you now have to ask is, "Is it the right time to trade the guy who has been our best player?" And, also, "How will our guys respond to that?" ... But in terms of what I said about his value, now would be the time to do it, to maximize return. Plus, looks to me like Sprong can fill that role just fine.
Foghorn Leghorn
1:37
Boy, I say, boy, it's sooooooooo cold out there my gibblets are frozen solid. What dy'all think the Pens will do this month as far as record, my good man?
Jason Mackey
1:37
They play 12 games in January. I think they'll win at least seven.
Doley
1:37
What did you see from Guentzel during his (very) limited time at center earlier this season?
Jason Mackey
1:38
I've liked it a lot. He looks very natural. I think it might be something to benefit him, too. It would be a non-traditional construction for a third line, but I definitely think it could work. ... Smart player, active defensively, excellent passer. ... Interested to see how much he's able to set up Sprong tonight.
Mike Sullivan
1:38
Mackey, I need some advice. Do I stop the constant line shuffling, or do I keep mixing it up like cake batter in a blender?
Jason Mackey
1:38
Put down the blender, Mike.
dave
1:38
If the team is not higher in the standings at the trade deadline, do you think GMJR would consider this a lost season and refrain from making any trades?
Jason Mackey
1:39
Yes, I do. At some point you need to call a spade a spade and don't throw good money after bad. (How's that for a combined cliche?) If they're significantly out of it by the trade deadline, I think GMJR would hold pat.
guest
1:39
what are you wearing for 70s night tonight?  I am going to my first game tonight and hope to see you in a fine outfit!
Jason Mackey
1:40
Ha. I'm not going tonight. I'm driving to Brooklyn for the game tomorrow, giving myself some extra time because of the snowstorm.
Mike in Kennedy
1:40
It appears Pens can no longer out-speed most teams. Stars Crosby and Letang are disappointingly deep in minus territory. A significant shakeup of some type is necessary to get them going. Can't fire the coach. Big trade may not be possible. How about a system change? Try trapping and scoring on turnovers. Maybe not so exciting, but neither is losing. Worked for Jersey.
Jason Mackey
1:40
Jersey doesn't have Crosby, Malkin, Kessel and Letang. Not to mention Guentzel, Schultz and Sprong. The Penguins are built to play offense, not trap.
Jared werth
1:43
Have you heard anything more about the Penguins interest in reacquiring matt callen?
Jason Mackey
1:44
I never heard of interest in the first place. I wrote something saying they should inquire, but I put in there that there's been no indication that they actually had done so. I do think Cullen would help them a great deal.
RandomHockeyGuy
1:44
Rowney out at least 4 weeks.  Rust is still out for awhile.  Is it a little odd Penguins haven't recalled a forward with only 12 healthy on the roster right now.  There was a report from Dan Kingerski that Adam Johnson was going to be recalled, but that hasn't happened.
Jason Mackey
1:45
It is a little odd but not unprecedented. If something would happen, someone could double-shift, and they could easily go 11-7.
Mickey
1:45
Do you think there is a real chance that Letang gets traded this year?
Jason Mackey
1:46
Absolutely not. Not happening.
Steven
1:46
In regards to taking Cole 100 times out of 100 over Hunwick, I think you're a little off base. They're pretty much inseparable analytically, with Cole giving up more high danger scoring chances per 60 than Hunwick, but Hunwick having some more turnovers. They're very similar players, except Hunwick fits the system a little better because better with the puck and better at skating.
Jason Mackey
1:48
You can go with analytics all you want -- Hunwick, by the way, is allowing 8.3 scoring chances per game five-on-five compared to 6.9 for Cole -- but Cole has played an integral role on two consecutive Cup teams. Great guy, a personality this team needs. Can't quantify that.
guest
1:48
Kessel and Malkin need to stop trying to pass to each other and just shoot, that is the problem with playing them together, they seem to like to pass it to each other. Why do they seem to do that?  They are both super stars
Jason Mackey
1:49
All superstars can tend to overpass. You take the good with the bad. I know what you're talking about, and someone needs to take the lead. You'd like it to be Phil, but I think you need to let those guys go sometimes, too.
Chad in WV
1:49
Going back to the idea of Guentzel as the 3rd line center. Sheahen could center the 4th line, and you could put Sprong/Sheary with Sid and the other in the 3rd with Simon until Rust is back. Not trying to play coach, but could that be a decent option for the team at this time?
Jason Mackey
1:49
I agree with you, Chad. All of this is contingent on the Penguins liking Guentzel as a third-line center option, of course.
J. Isbell
1:50
Glad to hear you like my work, but I’m not exactly the leader of a jam band.  Are you saying that you have varied musical tastes?
Jason Mackey
1:50
I do. And I can't wait to see you and the 400 Unit at Heinz Hall later this month. Yinz are awesome.
guest
1:50
So did Dumo/Sheary pull out the fantasy football win?  Or did the Swedes pull an upset!
Jason Mackey
1:50
I'm not sure. We need to ask Sam and find out.
How about defense from defense
1:50
Do you believe, as I do, that if Crosby and/or Malkin were playing for a team with quality defensemen, or Nashville's specifically, they'd have overwhelming leads in the scoring race?  Might having to shovel pucks out from behind their own goal on virtually every shift due to subpar (though expensive) defenseman be draining the team's top six forwards?
Jason Mackey
1:51
You're gonna make fellow Penguins fans throw up in their mouths, suggesting Crosby and Malkin playing for Nashville. I get the defensemen haven't been up to their standard, but I think we're overstating things a bit here. It's not the defensemen's fault that Crosby and Malkin are off pace when it comes to their scoring numbers.
Rahn
1:52
This squad is slower than the Cup-winning team due first to departures and compounded by some additions they've made. Any idea why they have gone away from what was such a strength? To me that was their "hard to play against" factor, rather than a gritty, physical brand that got the Bylsma team a Cup.
Jason Mackey
1:53
Not sure, Rahn, but I know what you're saying. Adding Oleksiak, Reaves and Sheahan is definitely different than what they've done over the past two seasons. I think they feel they had to get a little tougher. I think it's also tough to find the speed the Penguins did, which is one of the reasons why it worked as well as it did.
D. Godchaux
1:53
Your opinion of my contributions to late 70s shows? Frankly, I was so whacked I don’t have much recollection.
Jason Mackey
1:53
Not a huge fan, to be honest.
Ellen
1:53
Thanks for answering, Jason! Here's the really big question though - how the heck does Reaves make that goal noise? That's just not right! Lol
Jason Mackey
1:53
Good question. You have to be all in.
RandomHockeyGuy
1:53
A bit of a forward looking question, beyond this season.  Crosby, Malkin, Letang, and Kessel are all part of the Penguins core, and are all over 30 years old.  The league is getting younger and faster every year.  At what point do the Penguins consider moving a Malkin, Letang, or Kessel to bring in some younger assets?  Seems any of those 3 playing out their contracts would give them minimal value in a trade, but we see right now how thin the Penguins are in young, promising assets beyond Sprong and Jarry.
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