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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 3.22.18
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BennyD
1:46
sorry Phil, I don’t care that you want to prove you are an underrated and great set up man— I want to see you SHOOT THE PUCK and score goals!  does Sully tell Phil to shoot more and Kessel just ignores him?  I’m pretty sure he was brought here to score goals.  Sid and Phil need to shoot more in the playoffs!
Jason Mackey
1:47
Benny, I'm pretty sure you've asked me more questions than my wife has today. ... Yes, Sully talks to Phil. Phil's shots are up this year. Of the issues to take up with the Penguins, this isn't very high on my list.
guest
1:47
I missed your answer yesterday on the Fan as to why Crosby's goat total has dropped so much this year.
Jason Mackey
1:48
Better linemates, for sure. Not as much production on the power play. And nothing against Sid, but I think 44 goals, in this league and climate, is probably a little high for someone who's probably a better playmaker than pure goal-scorer.
Spring is Sprong
1:48
Guentzel/Crosby/ZAR
Jason Mackey
1:48
Flip Guentzel and ZAR, but you get the idea.
Hondo
1:48
Thanks for taking my question. Is it me or does Kris Letang seem a step slower this year ? He has been getting juked out as of late ?Is this from season fatigue or from his neck injury ?  Thanks
Jason Mackey
1:48
He has, at times. He's appeared hesitant. I got it early on. We've seen more of that lately. I don't understand that as much.
guest
1:48
With Rudwedel in, are all the defenseman playing on their strong /preferred sides?
Jason Mackey
1:49
Mostly. Only outlier is Oleksiak, who I believes prefers playing on his off-side. But he is a lefty who's now playing the left side.
TC
1:49
I enjoy your coverage and find it insightful and thorough, especially the 20 Thoughts.  My question is: Do you ever see Sullivan breaking up Letang & Dumoulin? I just wonder if Letang & Olesiak would ever be a possibility. What are your thoughts on that as a top pairing.
Jason Mackey
1:50
No. Those responsibilities would be too much for Oleksiak. He would get exposed. He needs to see third-pairing matchups, at most on the second pair. Plus, Dumoulin is their best true defender. He's on my top pair every day of the week.
Ryan James
1:50
If the Penguins do capture another title this year, what will it do overall not only to Crosby's legacy, but to Malkin's and Sullivan's as well?
Jason Mackey
1:50
Nothing whatsoever. They're still elite, all three of them. Among the best at what they do. That wouldn't change.
guest
1:50
Do you think Florida is legit to get the last playoff spot?  For some reason (dumb schedule) they have played alot less games than everyone else.  It would get nice for them to knock out NJ :)
Jason Mackey
1:51
Would be good for the Penguins, but absolutely I think Florida is legit. I love the Panthers. Have been a fan of their team for years, and I think it's tremendous what they're doing. I also think a TB/FLA first-round series would be incredible to watch. So much speed and skill.
Bob Sackamono
1:51
Where do pirates like to eat????   ARRR-bys!
Jason Mackey
1:51
Good one, Bob.
Bob Sackamono
1:51
Why did you did not tell us what you ate last week when you were at panera bread?
Jason Mackey
1:51
Nobody asked.
Hondo
1:51
Is it me or does Kris Letang seem a step slower than in the past? He seems to get juked out more and more, and his shot doesn't have the zing. Is it season fatigue or because of his injury ?
Jason Mackey
1:52
Believe I got this earlier, but yeah, he does look slower, a little more hesitant. I got it earlier in the year when he was coming back from injury. Not so much now.
Jason
1:52
Is there a sense with the coaching staff that they are getting tired of Letang mental gaffes?
Jason Mackey
1:52
No. They've made it this far. I don't think they're going to lose it now. ... But I do think they would like him to play it a little safer. Notice he got into a nice groove while keeping it simple. Seems he's gotten away from that a little bit.
Ryan James
1:53
Does Maatta this year compared to last prove that when a defenseman ISN'T being talked about, he's doing his job correctly?
Jason Mackey
1:53
I think it proves what being healthy can do for a player. Olli had a full summer to work out, rehabbing nothing. Got a lot accomplished. Has stayed healthy this whole year. Doesn't have anything to do with being talked about. But Olli was simply due some time being healthy. Glad to see he's made the most of it.
Rob
1:53
What do you think about awarding a team that wins in regulation 3 points instead of 2 points?
Jason Mackey
1:53
Love it. All for it.
guest
1:54
Do you think Brassard is putting too much pressure on himself to perform on this team feeling the need to show the trade was worth it and he belongs?  It must be intimidating to come to a 2 time Stanley cup team with 87, 71 and 81.
Jason Mackey
1:54
Totally. And I think he's been programmed to be safe in everything that he does on the ice. You can see him relaxing more and more each game and getting comfortable taking chances.
Rob
1:56
I'm sure you're tired of talking about Letang, but he has been terrible lately.  Do you think he might be better if he was paired with someone else?
Jason Mackey
1:57
You're right on the first part. I don't know how many times we can bring up the fact that he's struggled, but to answer the second part: No. I think Dumoulin is actually a very good partner for him. I'd worry if Letang was with Oleksiak or Maatta -- a pairing that didn't click earlier this season. I think you just need to live with what you're getting and ask Letang to play it a little safer.
Jeff
1:57
Hi Jason!  Do you know if they talked about changing the playoff format in the GM meetings at all?
Jason Mackey
1:58
I do not, Jeff, sorry. I was not there and have not heard the idea of that surface. I do think it's going to come up at the Board of Governors, though. Seems this set of meetings was geared toward goalie interference, offside and replay review as a whole.
FR
1:58
What kind of things give you inspiration to write?  Do you come up with your own ideas for the articles you write? (i.e. the player's equipment article)
Jason Mackey
1:59
That was actually a suggestion from my boss, Tyler Batiste. But observations are big. Also conversations with smart hockey people around the team, like chatting with Bourque or Errey. Maybe it's my own creative thought. Sometimes my wife will suggest something. Or maybe I don't understand something and try to find out WHY. That's what I love about this job -- one of many things. The ability to use those avenues and then report something out.
Joe
1:59
Haven’t been impressed with the goaltending this year by anyone, Murray included. Not stout enough. Do you think the team agrees and is worried about Murray and his .909 save percentage in the playoffs?
Jason Mackey
2:00
You're tough to please, Joe. Murray has won the past two Cups with a GAA below 2.0. I think he'll be fine. At minimum, they're not worried about Murray, so long as he's healthy.
BennyD
2:00
thanks for the clarification/explanation on the difference between Cole and Letang vis-a-vis the media.  very insightful
Jason Mackey
2:00
My pleasure. Happy to clear that up.
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