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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 4.19.18
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Jason Mackey
2:09
Good afternoon, folks. Filed a daily story. Will write one more for the web later. But wanted to turn my attention to this. Let's roll.
Pens4Life
2:11
When Rowney returns to health, does he get inserted back into the lineup? If so, who goes?
Jason Mackey
2:11
He's back ... at least in terms of health. At this point it's a coach's decision that he's out of the lineup. I don't disagree, either. He's not one of their 12 best forwards at the moment.
Pens4Life
2:11
Always wondered why players arrive to games in suit & tie? Is it a league mandate, or is it just to appear professional?
Jason Mackey
2:12
I don't know if it's anything mandated by the league, but it's so much a part of hockey culture -- suits, dressing up -- that it doesn't have to be. It's like making a rule that you have to wear shoes.
Pens4Life
2:12
Do you think Horny plays Friday?
Jason Mackey
2:12
He's out Friday. Can see why. Take the time. I think the Flyers are done. Maximize how much rest he gets.
Pens4Life
2:12
You’ve mentioned that you just don’t think Philly is that good, and most agree, so do you attribute that to our general pummeling of them this series or are the Pens just playing that well?
Jason Mackey
2:13
I think it's a little bit of both. I think the Penguins are playing very well. Better defense. Murray locked in. Stars are being the stars. I could go on. But Philly isn't even close to as deep. Their stars have not produced. Their goaltending stinks.
Pens4Life
2:13
You frequently mention how much you love what you do. I would never expect you to give examples to this question – just a simple yes/no is all – but every workplace has an array of personalities-oftentimes some that clash. Are there people you work with who you don’t necessarily get along with?
Jason Mackey
2:15
I'm pretty sure there are issues at every workplace. I have too much respect for the Post-Gazette and what it stands for to air anything here. But I would hope that everyone tries to be as professional as possible, communicate and work together on a team. I know I try my best to do that.
guest
2:15
How Sullivan doesn't get considered for coach of the year is unbelievable.  That team was ready yesterday.  How many more cups do you think the Pens have with Sid and Geno if he was the coach during all those early playoff exits after the 2009 cup?
Jason Mackey
2:16
Yeah, it's pretty baffling, isn't it? But the Jack Adams isn't so much "coach of the year" as it is "reclamation project" or "fix" or "turnaround." It's a shame. If you ask me the cream of this current coach crop, Sullivan is obviously at the tippy top.
Doley
2:16
Better matchup for Penguins: Capitals or Blue Jackets?
Jason Mackey
2:17
Better dessert: cake or ice cream?
guest
2:17
Has something happened with Oleksiak that his ice time has dropped so much?   Even while ahead yesterday I thought he would see more in that situation.
Jason Mackey
2:17
Not that I'm aware of. He's not hurt. ... I think what we're seeing is a bit of a change in philosophy on defense. Sullivan wants to play his third-pairing less. He's also playing Letang more, which I think has resulted in better play from No. 58. You laugh now because Philly stinks, but it could pay off down the road.
Doley
2:18
Are you aware of any study of the effect of the prior series' length on a team's performance in the following series? That is, do teams who won in seven games have a tougher time next round because they're tired, do teams who have a long layoff get rusty, etc.?
Jason Mackey
2:19
I am not. But if that "study" was completely accurate, I'm pretty sure the Penguins wouldn't have won a Cup last year or be in position to waltz into the second round this year. I think it's important but not essential (the rest and closing out early).
guest
2:19
Murray is the best and I hope everyone can appreciate him and stop bringing up Fluery continuously.   That is so unfair to him.
Jason Mackey
2:19
I don't understand why we can't appreciate both guys. It's like you have to be on one side or the other.
guest
2:19
Do you think Sheary and Rust are the best options to be playing with Brassard?  That line seems to be the least visible.  Against the Fliers is one thing, but this line is going to be needed going forward.
Jason Mackey
2:20
For now, yes. When Hornqvist comes back, I would probably go 59-87-43 /// 62-71-72 /// 17-19-81 ... I liked that third line. I think Brassard did, too. Rust adds a lot. Sheary is tracking toward a reunion with Crosby, IMO.
guest
2:20
The fourth line has looked good, do you think Rowney gets back in when healthy?
Jason Mackey
2:20
He's healthy now. No, I don't. I like they like what they have with this current group.
J Philip
2:20
Given how dominant the Pens have been in the series, does Sullivan give Horny another game off to heal?
Jason Mackey
2:20
Yes. I think that's what we're seeing here.
J Philip
2:20
What has been Hakstol’s biggest coaching mistake?
Jason Mackey
2:21
I think he's bungled the goaltending situation big-time. I would've gone to Elliott after three goals allowed in Game 1. Then last night, I'm yanking him after the Kessel goal when it's still a game.
Dave Harford
2:21
Hi Jason. How long do you think Jim Rutherford will stay on as GM of the Penguins? And do you think Bill Guerin has the job pretty much locked up when it opens up?
Jason Mackey
2:22
Hi Dave. Jim has zero plans to retire. That, of course, could change. But as of now -- and I had this conversation with Jim recently -- he finds it hilarious that people think he's going to step aside. He's not. He loves it. That being said, I think if Guerin got a GM offer elsewhere -- to be the main guy -- he'd take it. And if timing works out that he's still here, because he is a bit of a rising star in this business, then, yes, I absolutely think he's someone they'd consider. I just think it might be a little bit yet.
copall
2:22
Flyers seemed to deflate after Kessel scored. Didn't put up much of a fight after that. Were you surprised the game didn't get more chippy from that point on?
Jason Mackey
2:23
A little bit. I'm surprised all the games have been somewhat tame, to be honest with you. Although I disagree: Given the situation, the Flyers were flat from the start. Minus that little push, my goodness, do they look like a team that wants to pack it up and go home.
copall
2:23
I'm betting Hornqvist is chomping at the bit to get back. Then again, with a 3-1 series lead and the line combos that Sullivan put together for last nights game all working out, think Pens will take their time adding Hornqvist back to the lineup?
Jason Mackey
2:23
Yes. They need him more in rounds 2-4 than they do now. Chill, Patric. Take your time.
HB
2:24
Do you think mike Johnston whoops I mean dave haksol survives this series or you think he’s let go
Jason Mackey
2:24
I think he survives. Sounds like Hextall is taking a patient approach with this team. Making the playoffs is seen as a victory over there. And, honestly, given the Flyers' personnel, it might be.
Drop The Puck
2:24
Based on what you've seen so far in the playoffs, which team will be toughest for the Pens to beat to win the Eastern Conference?
Jason Mackey
2:25
I think Boston is the worst matchup for them, especially when the Bruins are on. I actually like their chances more given how Tampa wants to play.
HB
2:25
What match up do you think is better for the Pens. The Washington second rounders or the Columbus first lead in a series.
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