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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 2.1.18
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Jason Mackey
11:19
Hi folks,
11:20
welcome to my Thursday chat. Leave your questions. Looks to be a lot of them already. Will get to them all, promise, though I do need to get going at 2 p.m. because I'm hosting two different radio shows. Will have my laptop and will keep going as long as necessary. Thanks, as always, for participating.
12:58
Alright, folks. Let's do this thing. Away we go ...
OHIO412FAN
12:58
Jason, with the team on a roll and looking to climb it’s way back into their usual ways of winning, what will the Penguins do with three super solid goalies? Will they trade one at the deadline as bait for a Center? What will they do at the deadline? They are just beginning to heat up, and they are in a tasty position to bank on their recent success with making trades.
Jason Mackey
12:59
No. 1, they're not trading a goalie. Remember this story? http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2018/01/23/Penguins-Ruther...
I don't think they'll do much at the "deadline," but I do think GMJR will strike beforehand; he usually does. I think they'll get a third-line center and possible will add Matt Cullen, depending on his situation in Minnesota.
OHIO412FAN
12:59
Is it me, or is it that Kris Letang is a turnover machine and is not as effective as I once saw? I feel the Penguins don’t have a legit top tier defenseman. Everyone on that blue line are all solid. But, I think going after a good quality defenseman will bolster this team. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:00
So we've got third-line center, Kris Letang ... next up, Ryan Reaves? Letang hasn't played as well or as consistently as we're used to seeing from him. That's not, however, a past-couple-games thing. It's been an adjustment for him coming back from neck surgery, but I do think he's been showing a few positive signs.
OHIO412FAN
1:00
If the Penguins continue to play the way they are playing right now, do you see them getting a top three-four seed in the playoffs, or perhaps even better?
Jason Mackey
1:01
Yes. If they keep playing the way they are, I think anything outside of the No. 1 overall seed is possible. Division is easily within striking distance.
OHIO412FAN
1:01
Will the Pens be officially a dynasty if they win it all again this year? Would we really get to that reality? So, are we the Patriots if we do?
Jason Mackey
1:01
Three Cups in a row in an era where nobody had gone back-to-back? That's good enough for me. Not about to compare the Penguins and Patriots; I like having people read my chat.
Guest
1:02
If Sheary is out for a couple weeks or more, do you think we'll see Sprong brought back up? He played fairly well, had some teachable moments, but it seems like Sullivan hates him and would rather him return to the AHL. If Sullivan prefers to play Reaves and moves up Rust, isn't that a sign that Sprong's days with the Pens are numbered? I just don't understand it
Jason Mackey
1:03
Sprong's days with the Penguins are numbered based on one inconsistent stint with the Penguins while having less than 30 games on NHL resume? At least we're not over-reacting. ... I think Sully goes with Reaves against Washington; he probably would've done it anyway. Take that game, evaluate it, and if they think they maybe need more offense ... come on down, Daniel Sprong. Also, remember Carter Rowney. If he's due back, they might just go Rowney and leave Sprong.
Guest
1:03
From JR's latest comments, it seems like no 3C is forthcoming. Maybe a depth center only. He can't really believe this team as currently constructed is actually a Cup contender against the likes of Tampa Bay and Nashville etc.? I think finding a good offensive 3C to take advantage of Phil's skill is critical. There may be no one to trade for, but don't be ridiculous and say something like "I'm not sure we really need. We're playing so well right now"
Jason Mackey
1:05
Where are you reading these comments, first off?
Secondarily, I agree with you. I think they do need a third-line center. Rutherford has said as much to me personally and others. If he's trying to downplay it, chances are it's a negotiating ploy more than anything.
Guest
1:05
Cole vs Hunwick...where do you stand? Despite Cole's penalties, I still think he plays better in the Pens' system than Hunwick has shown so far. Do you think Sullivan has come around to recognizing this and is using a bs explanation of a Hunwick to justify inserting Cole back in the lineup despite his personal animosity towards him?
Jason Mackey
1:06
Cole. ... I think Cole has played well enough to force Sullivan's hand. Plus, they're winning. It also doesn't hurt Cole's trade value -- I think he will ultimately be dealt -- to play and play well.
guest
1:06
So glad your chat is back, we missed you!  Watching Sid and Fleury together at the All Star game made me feel sad for how much they miss each other.  Who would you say Sid is closest to on the team now?  Hard to replace someone like Fleury.
Jason Mackey
1:06
Agreed. On both counts. Sid was SO happy to be around Fleury, trust me. ... Probably Letang, to answer your question. Also Sheahan and Maatta. But to Sid's credit, he's friendly with pretty much everyone.
guest
1:07
One of the decisions I have not understood from Sullivan is sitting Cole.  I am glad to see him finally get into the games the last few.  I really hope he is not traded.  Sounds like he wants to be here and the guy lost 3 teeth for this team!  He is a personality the team needs in the locker room given the other players lost from last year.  Any chance he stays for the season?
Jason Mackey
1:07
None. Zero. Zilch. Nada. I think Ian wants to go, and I think Sullivan would rather Cole be traded. Just a matter of GMJR finding the right fit and getting adequate return.
Al
1:07
The people that don' t want reeves to play, just look at the last two games. With out him teams take runs at our stars, when there is no reaction from the team. Should we play him.
Jason Mackey
1:08
I'm fine with Reaves playing against the Capitals. The Devils, Flyers and Blue Jackets, too. I never understood why he was playing against speed teams, and I would also understand if they decided it wasn't worth it. I think there's little to no chance he re-signs here. If someone made a competitive offer now, I think the Penguins would entertain it. I don't see the rough stuff changing whether he's there or not.
Guest
1:10
I find Sullivan's comments about double-shifting Sid and Geno to be ridiculous.  First of all, he says playing Sid 22 minutes a night is Ok once in awhile. But the reality is it's more than once in awhile because Sid is averaging over 20 min a night all year! At his age, he should be playing 18 min a night. Sullivan should not be burning out Sid and Geno during the regular season. If you can't play Dea or whomever 10 minutes a night, then call up someone else who can play. It doesn't bode well for the playoffs if they're only hope of winning is double shifting those guys. Agree?
Jason Mackey
1:10
I'm going to let Mike Sullivan handle his lines and playing time the way he sees fit until he loses a playoff series. Not positive, but the guy may actually know what he's doing.
Ravi
1:13
I was wondering if the Pens aren't able to get a 3rd line center before the deadline, would Michael Grabner be a nice consolation? He's someone who can easily add scoring depth to the bottom six and his speed and penalty killing skills would be very useful
Jason Mackey
1:13
I love Grabner as a player. Think he'd fit, too. But, one, I think the Penguins will get a legitimate third-line center. Two, Grabner really isn't a center ... and the Penguins need one. A nice luxury on the wing? Yes, but I doubt he'd come cheap, and I don't think the Penguins have the assets to do both.
Jack Frost
1:14
Hey Jason hope you are well Sir. Do you think Sprong gets called back up and do you think he sticks up here? What are your thoughts of his game? The only thing I could see that was Glaring was his consistency. I have heard the Pens might have interest in Adam Lowry is this true? If it is do you like the fit? Also is there any new 3rd line centers you know the Pens are intrested in and who? I am thinking that if the Pens do make some trades they will be from a Western Conference team, rumor is Eastern teams are trying to block the Pens for a trade or ask for a ransom for what they want? Sounds like the Jets and Kings have been scouring the Pens pretty heavy lately. Your thoughts and opinions? Ok thank you Jason Mackey have a good day God Bless
Jason Mackey
1:15
The only link to Lowry I've read wasn't a link at all. It was speculation based on the Jets scouting three recent Penguins games. Might be a fit, but there's nothing concrete there. ... I don't like the lack of speed. I think the Reaves thing should prove that. Need to skate to fit, and Lowry -- while not exactly plodding -- isn't Grabner, to use a recent example from this chat. I'd like someone with a little bit more speed and Bonino/Staal to his game.
Mike
1:15
I saw a recent interview where JR sort of backs off of bringing in a third line center.  I totally dis-agree with his assessment - although playing better right now the Pens with any chance to repeat need a legit 3rd line center - "not a depth player" - He has to consider the possibilities of an injury to Malkin or Crosby.  Your thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:16
I completely agree with you. I guess this was GMJR on Cook and Poni? Believe me, it wouldn't be the first time Rutherford used the media to sandbag a little. They need a third-line center.
ALEX
1:16
Sprong getting the Guentzel treatment? Call up, send down, final call up of his career?
Jason Mackey
1:18
Jack Frost: This will touch on the other part of your question as well. ... Could be. Tough to tell. I'll say this about Sprong. Think of him as one of your kids. If you know he's an A student, are you going to be OK if he brings home Cs? You're not. Same deal. Sprong has elite upside. Game was OK, but didn't bring it every night -- a C student. Has some work to do. No need to rush. If he's forcing their hand, great. That was Guentzel. That's what they want. And that will net him another shot at the NHL.
ALEX
1:18
With Mike Fisher returning to Nashville, that makes roughly 6 pretty good centers on their squad. Could you see GMJR swinging a deal for Bonino (who hasn’t really fit in with Nashville) if he can make the money work?
Jason Mackey
1:19
For this year, yes, probably. GMJR was, and is, concerned about what that deal will look like long-term, whenever he has to pay Rust, Guentzel, Hornqvist (they hope) and Murray. That position is structured in such a way that the third-line center of the Penguins gets really good matchups. As such, it's not good business for the Penguins to overpay for that spot. Does that make sense?  $4 million for Bonino is too much.
HB
1:19
Dea has impressed me so far do you think next year he finds a permanent spot at 3rd or 4th line center?
Jason Mackey
1:20
Tough to say. He needs to show consistency, which -- in the context of Daniel Sprong -- we've been talking about it. I think he can. He's a smart kid who seemingly gets it. But he wouldn't be the first rookie to struggle with consistency.
Rahn
1:20
I don't understand some fans' "if Sprong turns into a scorer, that makes Kessel superfluous" philosophy. 1. Kessel is an elite scorer and playmaker. When he's carrying the puck or has time and room to shoot, he's a guy that goaltenders fear and coaches account for. 2. Why can't a club have two such players? Both aren't Selke candidates, but that shouldn't equate to one of them being moved out. Makes zero sense.
Jason Mackey
1:22
I don't think anyone is saying it's a guarantee. Just that it's an option. Also, they're both exclusively right wings. Same for Hornqvist. That's a logjam. Kessel also has a big contract. If Sprong does the same thing, plays the same position, and the Penguins can reasonably backfill that position, that's why you consider at least listening. Hey, if the offers aren't good, don't do anything. But if someone like what Kessel has done -- the stock is high -- maybe there's someone out there willing to overpay. You're dealing from a position of strength rather than weakness.
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