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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 2.22.18
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Kevin in Punxsy
1:55
People, including media types, keep talking about trading Sheary for a # 3 center. What team would take Sheary and his outlandish salarly, > $3 million and give the Pens a #3 center.
Jason Mackey
1:55
I think if that team existed we would've see it done. I also don't think the Penguins need a third-line center. I don't think it's very likely Sheary gets traded.
Chatterbox
1:55
Can you recall a topic,  such aswho will be the 3C, that has sustained a chat for the duration of a season?
Jason Mackey
1:55
I cannot. It's going to be weird when the deadline passes, right? What are we going to talk about?
Kevin
1:55
I think this year's playoffs, at least in the east, could be a slugfest with Tampa, Boston and Toronto looking very impressive and a still strong Caps team and a dangerous Flyers team. Thoughts on how you see the Pens doing in this year's playoffs (if they make it)?
Jason Mackey
1:56
I see the Penguins in the Eastern Conference finals against Tampa. I see that series as a tossup. Tampa is really, really good. Hard to say the Penguins will automatically beat them.
Kevin in Punxsy
1:57
I can't believe that people, including media, are calling for the Pens to give up a #1 pick and a player for NYR Grabner, who will be a UFA this summer. Also, he is a winger, which the Pens don't need.
Jason Mackey
1:57
Can't disagree. It's a big ask.
guest
1:57
Bummer no pros able to play Olympic hockey this year.  Is Crosby only current player with a medal?
Jason Mackey
1:57
Good question. Yeah, I believe so. Unless Jamie Oleksiak stole his sister's from the Summer Games.
August West
1:58
I'm guilty of wanting the Pens to trade Cole all season. Now I think the Pens should do all they can to trade Hunwick. All we read is that he's playing poorly and doesn't fit in. Maybe going all in is keeping Cole (even though he's gone next year), getting rid of Hunwick and that's it. Maybe we go double secret all in and snatch Grabner, who knows.
Jason Mackey
1:59
If they could, they would, August. It's not that easy. They're not going to trade Cole -- anymore -- because he's been among their best defensemen since he's come back. Hunwick ... different story. He's been mediocre at best, awful at worst. And he's signed for two more years. Nobody is going to take that for a 32-year-old.
Foghorn Leghorn
1:59
Boy, I say, boy, Mackey, how ya doin'? Temps keep bouncin' around like a jumper on a trampoline. Anywho, what, if any, trade moves does that ol' JR make...does he wheel and deal or keep it reeeeeeeaaaaaal simple?
Jason Mackey
1:59
Think I got this one already, Foghorn. I think they'll make a move for a fourth-line center and that's it.
guest
1:59
If the Pens get Cullen (and I sure hope they do!), or do you think his wingers will be if all healthy?
Jason Mackey
2:00
I think maybe Reaves and Rowney to start. They could also mess around with potentially Simon or ZAR in that spot, maybe even Rust. (This is assuming they don't get Grabner.)
Kevin
2:00
Watched Tampa the other night against Caps and they look impressive. Is this their year, do you think?
Jason Mackey
2:00
I don't want to say that, but right now I am comfortable saying I think they're the best team in the East. They can be beaten, but I think only the Penguins can do it. They're so deep.
Erdely
2:00
Is Sprong going to fit into this lineup down the road or is it best to shop him as an RFA right now?
Jason Mackey
2:01
If he gets you something you feel like can win a third consecutive Cup, you shop him. They want to win now. He may fit, but they also have a lot of young wingers who can play in the top-six. They would be dealing from a position of strength, and that's never a bad thing.
Miikka
2:01
Hello,  after the trade deadline passes. Do you think Rutherford will start giving out contact extensions, or is he gonna wait till the offseason?
Jason Mackey
2:01
I think he'll probably wait until the offseason, but you can never say for sure with him.
Albert
2:01
When Hornqvuist comes back, what line should he be on in your opinion? As much as I liked him on Malkin's line, I love the 62-71-17 chemistry right now. I don't think he meshes great with Sid either, and the 59-15-81 line has looked really good too, so I don't like the idea of tinkering with that line. Thanks for your thoughts Jason.
Jason Mackey
2:02
At practice today he was with Malkin and Hagelin, and I think that sticks. They were really good. Plus, Sullivan likes a speed element on Crosby's line against faster teams, so it makes sense to play Bryan Rust with Crosby Friday against the Hurricanes.
Kevin
2:02
What has impressed you (or stands out) the most with the Pens in 2018 that they weren't doing in the first half of the season? Could this team, as currently constructed, get back to the finals, or do you see a weakness that maybe wasn't there the past two years that could do them in?
Jason Mackey
2:03
I think they could easily get back to the finals. But the biggest change, for me, has been how fast they're playing. It looks like the Penguins of old. The byproduct is playing aggressive and forcing turnovers, but when you watch them ... notice we don't hear about them being tired or looking slow. They're moving.
Fia
2:08
How much is the room energized when players like ZAR step up and start contributing?
Jason Mackey
2:09
A lot. For various reasons. One, for some, it's fun. But it also creates internal competition. It's also funny because I'm sure they probably mess with the rookies, and the rookies enjoy having someone else around. So it helps on a lot of levels.
Albert
2:09
Who do you think the pens matchup with more favorably in the playoffs, Devils or Flyers?
Jason Mackey
2:09
I don't think either one poses a huge problem, to be honest with you.
Dean
2:09
HI Jason...........Im sitting here wondering..........what the penguins saw in Hunwick...........did he play better for the Leafs............maybe he is hurt.........dunno.........but I think Tansy was a better defenseman then Matt is ....
Jason Mackey
2:10
I think you're right. I think they saw skating, but I'm not sure it has showed up. To be fair, Hunwick has been OK on the left, bad on the right. The left just isn't open right now with as well as Cole has played.
Paul Martin
2:10
If GMJR moves a couple of defensemen at the deadline, do you think he'd be interested in adding a savvy vet, ala Mark Streit?  I'm hungry.
Jason Mackey
2:10
Ah, Paul. I wish. You're one of my favorites. But there's not a fit here, pal.
Doley
2:11
Starting to look like some iteration of Wash/Pit/Phi/NJ as the Metro playoff (with the fifth team headed over to the Atlantic). How do the Penguins match up with each of those three potential divisional opponents?
Jason Mackey
2:12
I don't see an issue with any of the three. They're deeper than all of them. Jersey is fast, I like the way they play, but I wouldn't worry with the way the Penguins have turned it around. Philly can score, but the Penguins have more offense. You know the history with the Caps. I suppose Holtby could steal a few games, but again, I think the Penguins are a better all-around team.
Albert
2:12
Do you believe the Pens will sign Sheahan to a longer deal, at least 2-3 years, following the season? Do you think they see him as their 3c of the immediate future?
Jason Mackey
2:13
He's an RFA, so they don't have to. I do think they'd like to bring him back, and I doubt that has changed with his recent run of games.
Doc
2:14
Why is Adams not in the lineup instead of Jackobs? Don't you think they could use his range on the perimeter instead of rushing three in the nickel formation?
Jason Mackey
2:14
You are really, really lost right now.
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