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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 4.26.18
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guest
1:01
I think they need to play the third defensive pairing more than 9 minutes a game.  You can't get into the flow of a game playing that few minutes and they when you do you press too much.  They were fine in the regular season.
Jason Mackey
1:01
I agree with you here, and I think they will. That said, you can't play them if they're terrible. Washington, for all of its playoff failings, is fairly deep. The Capitals are capable of exploiting a matchup against Oleksiak and Ruhwedel if they're not better than they were in Game 6.
copall
1:01
Long list of players and/or units that stepped up big for the Pens in the playoffs the last two years. Who steps up, or who needs to step up, against Washington?
Jason Mackey
1:02
I would look at the Sheary-Brassard-Rust line. You have the obvious in the star players, but as far as something that's maybe a little bit unexpected, that would be huge for the Penguins. That line has generated plenty of chances, but it needs the goals to come. I think it's close, honestly.
Rob
1:02
What has happened to Oleksiak?
Jason Mackey
1:03
His play hasn't been great lately. I hardly think he's the only NHL player to hit a rough patch. I actually think he'll be fine. The Caps are a good matchup for him. I am surprised they haven't tried Hunwick, though, just to get Oleksiak back on the right side. He's much better over there, IMO.
Adam
1:03
Evgeni Malkin is Evgeni Malkin. But do you think Hagelin’s loss on the PK could be a bit of a bigger hit for the penguins considering their offensive depth? Granted Rowney negates some of that loss.
Jason Mackey
1:03
No. Geno is a huge loss. Are they capable of winning without him? Sure. But if we're comparing Malkin to Hagelin on the PK, it's not close. Rowney is fine there.
HB
1:03
Pour one out for our fallen homies.(cole,hainsey,Cullen)
Jason Mackey
1:04
Indeed. They are missed by reporters. Ditto for Fleury, Daley, Kunitz and Bonino. All good interview guys.
Mike
1:04
Why wasn't there more outrage over the Giroux hit on Hags?  Head made contact, late and borderline charging.  That hit needs gone from hockey.
Jason Mackey
1:05
I agree with you, although I have a bigger problem with the timing than the location of where Giroux got Hagelin. He got him in the head, but you can see it wasn't the principal point of contact. I think that's pretty clear. I didn't like how late it was after Hagelin had the puck.
copall
1:05
Do you get to hang out with any of the national tv broadcasting team, the announcers and color commentators, during the playoffs?
Jason Mackey
1:05
Yes. The playoffs are great for hanging out with, seeing and talking to and just socializing with national folks. Actually one of many things I like about them. And seeing more of out-of-town writers.
Pinkie Pie
1:06
What are your picks for the 2nd round? I'm going Pens in 7, Bolts in 6, Jets in 7, Sharks in 6.
Jason Mackey
1:07
I like Pens in six, Bolts in seven, Nashville in six, Vegas in seven.
Adam
1:11
With Murray’s overall shakiness in game 6, if he’s showing signs of shakiness again, how long do you think the leash is?
Jason Mackey
1:12
Long enough that you should be able to wrap it around a couple city blocks. Are we really going to give a short leash to the guy who has won the past two Cups in favor of Casey DeSmith, who has never played an NHL playoff game. Breathe, Adam. Breathe.
guest
1:12
overcoming just Malkin or Haglin out is doable, but I don't see how they beat Wash if both remain out.  that might be too much to overcome.
Jason Mackey
1:13
Thanks for your comment. As I wrote yesterday, I think it's the biggest storyline so far in this series -- how the Penguins get by without them. I wouldn't count on scoring eight goals basically without both, as they did in Game 6, on the regular. Something has to happen to make up for those losses. Brassard's line gets hot? Simon steps up? We'll find out.
fia
1:13
any good malkin stories to cope with his loss?
Jason Mackey
1:13
Not really. When Malkin talks, he basically waits around for us, then gets up and leaves right away. There aren't many personal interactions that we get.
guest
1:13
what is wrong with the NHL, why would they tonight against the draft??  Can the owners get some better leadership in place?
Jason Mackey
1:15
If they don't have games, then they don't have a playoff product in two of the past three days. You'd have to play Vegas-San Jose at 5 p.m. out there to get 8 -- and that's still up against the draft. I'm OK with them playing. They should believe their product is entertaining enough to watch. I think it could be better, and I think they'll miss some casual fans going up against the draft. But I would prefer this decision to a gigantic dark period.
Rusty
1:15
For this Washington series with a break on Friday and Saturday, what will you do on those days?
Jason Mackey
1:16
Not sure. Team's off tomorrow. I know I'm going to the Nats game Friday. I used to work there and will be catching up with some old friends. Saturday ... not sure sure. Pens practice. Probably meet up with some media people. Maybe do some touristy stuff. There are worse cities in which to kill time, believe me. I love this place.
Don
1:16
Which group of centers would you rather have, the four currently on the Pens or the four that were on the team last year?
Jason Mackey
1:17
Good question. Assuming this comes down to Brassard and Sheahan versus Bonino and Cullen. I'd go with the current group, for a couple reasons. Cullen is probably done. Sheahan is seemingly only getting better. They have both under contractual control. I think Brassard is an big offensive upgrade to that spot, even though we haven't totally seen it thus far. But it is close.
OvechCANT
1:17
whats your opinion of Barry Trotz?  Good Coach let down by players or not so good of a coach that has failed to get team past nemesis?
Jason Mackey
1:18
Well, I'm not in meetings and probably shouldn't critique his coaching style -- which I would have no way of knowing. I do think he needs to win a big game here sooner rather than later to be considered an elite coach. Right now, to me, he's middle of the pack because he just hasn't had the postseason success.
guest
1:18
Hunwick played well in the playoffs last year, maybe he is a playoff guy that should get a shot??
Jason Mackey
1:19
I would've gone Hunwick for this game and moved Oleksiak to the left, but that's just me. They don't ask my opinion on such matters, and there's a reason for that.
Rusty
1:19
Which teams do you consider yourself a fan?  I would guess you are a fan of other sports outside of hockey.
Jason Mackey
1:35
Sorry folks. Will get back to this soon. Having to take two phone calls.
HB
1:41
Would you say talent wise this is the worst wsh team the pens have played the past 3 years obviously they are still dangerous
Jason Mackey
1:41
I don't think so. I still think this team is very good. Probably better defensively. I like the Kempny addition. Carlson is very good. I think they needed to change something. Not saying they're going to beat the Penguins, but I don't think this is a Caps team to take lightly.
Adam
1:42
Ha! Sorry to come across as anxious, it just seems like everything has been so analyzed. Just trying to ask something different. In retrospect they were a bit silly. Thanks for answering and good luck!
Jason Mackey
1:42
It's all good. I get a lot of the Matt Murray freakout. I think, in general, fans should do less of it.
Hamlet
1:42
My better half purchased tickets in advance to see Hamlet Tuesday night.  What would be my best excuse to discourage our attendance:  too much Pens playoff traffic or it's just a really dull story?  Help a fan see the game.
Jason Mackey
1:42
You could just go with your better half and DVR the game. That's probably not what you wanted to hear.
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