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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 3.22.18
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John
2:02
Pens sure seemed to have better chemistry with Sheahan as the 3rd line center, even though Brassard is obviously the more talented player.  Will they be able to get the chemistry right with Brassard in time for the playoffs or will that not occur until next season?
Jason Mackey
2:03
I think we've already seen a bunch of positive signs in that direction, John, especially last night. I think Brassard will be a huge asset to them in the playoffs. The trick is finding useful stuff for Sheahan to do, but I think Brassard needs to play exactly where he's at ... and maybe more.
Jeremy
2:03
Hey Jason,
Jason Mackey
2:03
Hi Jeremy.
Jeremy
2:03
I saw this in your article about Penguins road vs home disparities. This quote "In 103 combined road games, they have 113 points, an average of 0.91. They’ve racked up 149 in a combined 105 home games (1.4)." doesn't make sense to me. Would 113 points in 103 games not average to 1.1 PPG instead of 0.91? Or am I missing something?
Jason Mackey
2:04
Yeah, I think that's a typo. It's 103 points in 113 road games. I'll fix it now.
Rob
2:04
What do you think of Schultz's play recently?  I think he's had some struggles.
Jason Mackey
2:05
I don't have any huge problems with it. What has concerned you, Rob? I have a tough time singling out Schultz for their defensive issues lately. It's hardly just him.
Michael
2:05
Given strength of schedules the rest of the way, it looks like the most likely order of finish is Washington - Pittsburgh - Columbus - Philadelphia - New Jersey.  The Panthers may kick out the Devils for the final spot.    That would give the Pens the same path as last year for the first two rounds.  Same result?
Jason Mackey
2:05
I think so. I've said before, I think it'll come down to PIT/TBL in the Eastern Conference final. Probably is a toss-up and goes seven games.
guest
2:05
How would you rate the season Schultz has had this year?  Seems to be the least talked about defenseman.
Jason Mackey
2:06
Yeah, a little quiet on the offensive side, just because he was so dynamic last year. But his usage has also been different. I think he's been fine, though. About what we should expect. I don't see a huge issue there.
Steven
2:06
Do you see the bottom pairings being changed a little bit to have Schultz and Maatta reunited and Oleksiak and Ruhwedel as a 3rd pairing? (with possibly even a return of Hunwick, who played well with Oleksiak before he got hurt).

The Schuleksiak pairing doesn't fill me with confidence and they've been the worst pairing, per analytics, over the last 5 or so games. Ruhwedel, however, has been very good and doesn't deserve to get rotated out.
Jason Mackey
2:07
I think Sullivan likes Maatta and Ruhwedel as kind of a safe third pair. I haven't loved Maatta and Schultz together, to be honest. I like it the way they have it right now.
Joe
2:07
Do you think the players have a preference for who they’d like to face in the playoffs, and if so, who is that?
Jason Mackey
2:07
I don't think it matters to them, honestly. They're big on controlling what they can. They can't affect what other teams do. I do think they would like to have home-ice for as long as possible, for obvious reasons.
Mike
2:07
You think Bill Guerin will return or a potential candidate in somewhere like Dallas for GM?
Jason Mackey
2:08
I think he'll return. I think he probably needs another year doing what he's doing before he surfaces as a serious candidate other places.
Guest
2:08
Who do you think comes out of the West?
Jason Mackey
2:08
I hate to say it, but I see Nashville winning the West. Maybe Vegas, but without Fleury, I definitely worry a little bit about the Golden Knights.
Best line
2:08
Jason, the "beat the Ottawa of him" may be your best line this year so far: accurate and hilarious.
Jason Mackey
2:08
Ha. Thank you for that.
2:09
OK, folks. That does it for this week. Thanks so much for participating. Let's do this again next week.
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