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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 2.15.18
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Llengwyn
1:29
Sullivan has a penchant for sitting players if they are struggling or not getting to their game.  My candidates for the next two players to sit out a few games are Sheary and Letang.  Would he sit a player like Letang?
Jason Mackey
1:30
No, first off. If he didn't sit Letang in the first 20 games, right now sure ain't gonna knock him out of the lineup. Letang has been better lately. Was solid Tuesday against Ottawa.
L
1:30
Any food recommendations for Raleigh? Going to the Pens/Canes game on the 23rd, my first Pens game.
Jason Mackey
1:31
Angus Barn. Go. Thank me later. It's terrific.
Steve
1:31
Have the invitations been engraved and sent to Mr. Brown to visit Mr. Reeves this evening?
Jason Mackey
1:31
I think Brown likely understands how this stuff works. He's no dummy.
J
1:31
What will it take for Blueger to get in the lineup over Rowney? Rowney creates next to zero offense and is a crater in terms of puck possession.
Jason Mackey
1:31
Probably an act of Congress at this point.
Ng
1:31
Excellent article regarding Matt Murrary and what he did for the kid during the Father's trip.  Murray sounds like a stand-up dude.  What has it been like to cover him from the time he was a rookie and to see him go through the maturation process the last few years?
Jason Mackey
1:33
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. Matt is a terrific kid. Has been since the first time I talked to him. I like him because he thinks about your question and gives you insightful stuff all the time. He's very smart and polite. No doubt he was raised right. He's also got a neat little edge, where he sometimes doesn't give a [bleep] what he says. Reporters love that. I'd like to think we have a pretty good relationship, too. That doesn't hurt, when the player trusts you.
AB
1:33
How come after scoring a goal, we never see a player celebrate by doing a flip like I do after scoring a touchdown?
Jason Mackey
1:33
Or doing some other things you do after scoring a touchdown, Ronald.
Martin
1:33
Jason: Phil is obviously loved within the room, but as a fan how come we never see him during any of the segments during a broadcast or even interviewed much post game.  Is this Phil being Phil or is he just so guarded from being in Toronto?
Jason Mackey
1:34
I don't think Phil will do on-the-bench interviews or interviews between periods. He does not speak to reporters often, either. That's his right, but that's why, as a fan, you don't get a lot of his quotes or soundbites. Doesn't happen much.
FG
1:34
Hey jason! do you think the pens early season struggles were more or less as simple as them not being all in for say a December game vs Colorado? I happen to also remember a long stetch were every goalie they played turned into Patrick Roy.
Jason Mackey
1:35
Yes. Very much so. And, in a way, I don't blame them. Of course I'm also not a paying customer, so my opinion doesn't count.
Steve
1:35
If you had to make the call now, what will the Pens' 4th line be when the playoffs roll around? Any chance ZAR sticks and bumps a player like Kuhnackl out of the lineup? Rowney and Reeves certainly seem on the bubble, but generally all 4th liners are so no disrespect to them.
Jason Mackey
1:36
Understood, Steve. I think it's hard to say. I think ZAR is making his case. I also think Sullivan likes the element of offense and forechecking ability that Dominik Simon could bring on that line. And there's going to be a trade that changes that line. Too hard to say at this point, honestly.
James
1:36
Would GMJR be opposed to trading Sprong among other assets for a very good 3C.  Seems he’s set on the 4C position but if something with Sprong came up would it be considered or shut down immediately?
Jason Mackey
1:36
No, Jim would listen. But he's a young kid who hasn't proven himself at this level. To other teams, he's not exactly the coveted/can't miss type.
BH
1:37
What is your take on these 17-18 penguins? In 15-16 they dominated everyone, were relentless and just plain faster. Last year, they grinded it out more and weren’t as relentless as 15-16. Now, it seems as if they are reverting back to that 15-16 form? Is that a product of Letang being in the lineup or something else?
Jason Mackey
1:38
I think they started slow because it was tough for them to really give a hoot. Now, they do. They have better scorers than most the league. Their depth has been better, and they have an elite goaltender. Very good on special teams. That should win you most games. They're still as fast and tenacious as that 15-16 group. Can grind out wins, too. Not sure we have to create specific categories for that stuff.
AU
1:38
When are you going to be back on the afternoon show with Starkey and Mueller?  I miss your witty acerbic interaction with the guys, especially Starkey.
Jason Mackey
1:39
Is that a compliment or a critique? I can't tell. Anyway, I'll be on today at 5:30 p.m. Have talked to Starkey a few times already today. I think you all are in for a treat with how we've gone at each other. Just listen if you wanna laugh.
Guest
1:39
Jason, I am concerned about the blue line offensive production this year. Do you see GMJR making a move to bring someone in that has been more productive this year?
Jason Mackey
1:40
No, I don't. They have an extra defenseman as is, with Ruhwedel AND Hunwick. Your offensive production -- I don't think it's as big of a deal as you're making it out to be -- will be fine once Letang gets straightened out. And I think he's well on his way.
Scott from DC
1:40
Jason, our blue line has not produced at the level offensively as excepted this year. Do you see GMJR making a move to increase that production?
Jason Mackey
1:40
Just got this one, Scott. I don't. I really don't. They have larger needs. The fourth line needs to score more. Or at all.
Bob in Canada
1:40
Hi Jason.  What kind of game are you expecting tonight?  Pens are on a roll, Kings have lost 2 straight and are on the road.
Jason Mackey
1:41
Boring. Sorry to be a grump, but I hate games against L.A. They're right there with Ottawa for me. I think Pens win, though. Playing too well right now.
BennyD
1:41
What piqued your curiosity in writing Jason?  Is sports reporting your passion or could you see yourself writing in another field?  Are there certain journalists or authors you admire?  Thnx for the weekly chats— love them!
Jason Mackey
1:43
My pleasure. Thanks for the great question. Wanna know the honest truth: I switch from math to broadcast communication because I thought it would be easy (was wrong) and involved sports (at least I got that part right). I grew to love the challenge of it. My mom was an English teacher. Got some of that from her. All my life, even now, I've read the newspaper. In college got big into The Washington Post. Grew up reading Gene, Ron, Ed, Davey, Gerry and Dejan at the PG ... Barry Svrluga and Thomas Boswell at TWP ... Verducci, Gary Smith, Peter King ... I could go on.
Guest
1:43
JR isn't actually happy with Sheahan. The articles coming out are just a backup IF JR doesn't trade for a big time third line center.
Jason Mackey
1:44
Hmm, that's interesting. I'm guessing you've had plenty of conversations on/off the record with involved parties to confirm that?
RandomHockeyGuy
1:44
On Brassard, seems like a logical deal would be something similar to 1st round pick, Gustavsson, and Sheary, with 1M retained on Brassard.  I know Rutherford has said he doesn't want to part with Murray, Jarry, DeSmith or Gustavsson, but, 3 of 4 goalies under age 24 doesn't seem like that is going to work.  1 starter spot in the NHL.  Ottawa is short on goaltending and Anderson is getting up there in age.  Gustavsson might be a perfect segway.
Jason Mackey
1:46
That's an interesting premise. Math-wise, would be a little tight. I also question how useful Sheary would be in Guy Boucher's system. Can understand what you're saying about Gustavsson, though. They seem to be set there.
Bob in Canada
1:46
Do you think the Pens will have to use draft picks to net a big trade return?  If so what do they have available to use?
Jason Mackey
1:47
It would be part, but remember the salary cap. They're up against it. Have to send at least some dollars out to bring dollars in.
Steven
1:47
Nick Shore is quite good, honestly. The points aren't amazing, but the Kings bottom 6 is a mess. Reasonable 1.2 p/60, great possession and expected goals numbers despite extremely defensive deployment. He'd be a nice fit, especially in a 4th line role with ZAR/Kuhnhackl and Rust (which seems to be the 4th line wingers with a fully healthy team).
Jason Mackey
1:47
Respect your opinion, Steven. For that 4C role, I think they should, and will, target someone with a little more experience.
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