JotCast | Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 4.5.18

Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 4.5.18

Jason Mackey

12:58

OK, folks. And away we go ...

copall

12:58

Pens racked up a fair number of goals, often timely goals, from their secondary scorers during the last two playoffs. Guys like Guentzel, Rust, Hornqvist, Cullen, Kunitz (even Sheary and Hagelin in 2016). Who do you think will step up and provide that scoring depth this year?

Jason Mackey

12:59

I think the guy they're looking to first and foremost is Derick Brassard. I also like Riley Sheahan's makeup, and I could see him falling into that category. But it's hard to say new faces because I think they're still going to need Rust, Sheary and Guentzel to supplement the big boys.

copall

1:00

Assuming Brassard makes it back for the playoffs, who do you see playing on the 4th line with Sheanan?

Jason Mackey

1:00

I wrote today I would entertain adding some offensive piece to that line. Sheary is an option, although his lack of fourth-line-ness worries me. I could see them trying Rust there. Just need someone to take his spot next to Sid.

Cosmo

1:00

When a goal is scored on a delayed penalty, is that considered an even strength goal? My guess is yes. Also, thanks for your most excellent Pens coverage.

Jason Mackey

1:00

Thanks, Cosmo. And yes, it is.

Pinkie Pie

1:00

Jason, thanks for hosting this chat and taking questions! Always look forward to these! We might be seeing a 1st-round preview tonight, but which team do you think the Penguins best match up with in Round 1?

Jason Mackey

1:01

I've said Columbus, and I'm sticking with it. Until Sergei Bobrovsky gives me reason to think otherwise.

Vinnie

1:01

Why, oh why, didn't Rutherford address the defense? Other than the Habs game, this team is giving up 3+ goals a game for the past month or so... and that's not a recipe for success in the playoffs. The lack of D is why this team will get bounced before the conference finals this year.

Jason Mackey

1:02

Vinnie, even if Rutherford had went out and got, say, Jordie Benn, do you think that would lead to a better defensive effort? It's caring about details. It's forwards helping out. It's penalty killing. It's goaltending. It's nothing a No. 7 defenseman would fix by himself. I actually think Hunwick has been OK recently, although he's going to be out tonight.

Jeffrey

1:02

Ray Shero has built a team that can go toe-to-toe with the Penguins. And if the Pens win tonight, they could very well see the Devils in the 1st round. Think that Shero is chomping at the bit to finally get his revenge?

Jason Mackey

1:02

I think Ray Shero is champing at the bit to get back into the postseason. It could be against the Mighty Ducks, Germany or the Penguins. Doesn't matter. I know he just wants to win, and he has a good enough team to do that.

Joe

1:02

Why is Kessel playing injured? He’s clearly been ineffective and not helping the team. I hope it’s not for some streak. Better to rest him. And doing that would have been a perfect opportunity to give Sprong another shot, this time on Geno’s wing. He’s played well the last few weeks.

Jason Mackey

1:03

They are out of recalls, although I suppose if you'd commit to sitting Kessel, that he's injured, they might be able to skirt that. But it doesn't matter. Phil loves his streak. I think Sullivan loves Phil's streak. You're not going to see Phil come out of the lineup. Sorry.

Joe

1:03

Will we see Sprong at any time during these playoffs?

Jason Mackey

1:03

Sure. As a Black Ace.

Nate

1:03

How many minutes per game do you see the 3rd D pairing playing in the playoffs? Can you see Sullivan loading up the top 2 pairings minutes alot like the Blackhawks did a few years ago in their cup run? Pens 3rd D pairing makes me nervous in a big game.

Jason Mackey

1:04

I think 10-12 is a safe range. Maybe a little more if it's Hunwick and he's killing penalties. But I definitely think Sullivan wants to lean on his top-four and only play that third pair when it can get solid, low-risk matchups.

Joe

1:04

Do you think (1) any of the inconsistent recent play of the PK and the defense has anything to do with them missing Cole; and (2) do you think Sullivan regrets pushing Cole out the door? Do you agree that moving Cole at the trade deadline was because of his and Sullivan’s relationship?

Jason Mackey

1:05

(1) Yes. Ian Cole was a very good penalty killer. We'd be stupid to not acknowledge that. (2) No. They wanted a center, and Cole was their means to do that. (3) No. See above. ... Was the relationship between Cole and Sullivan great? No. But it was tenable, even though I don't think Sullivan cared for how chatty Cole was with us. Regardless, you don't trade a player simply because of that.

Guest

1:07

If they don’t win the Cup, do you think that the biggest reason they won’t is the play of Murray? I like the kid a lot, but he has not played well the last few weeks and no one with the team seems to be talking about that, including Murray himself who doesn’t want to talk about his play. Do you think he either has trouble focusing from his concussion, death of his father, or maybe it’s a lack of confidence?

Jason Mackey

1:07

I think it's none of the above, honestly. And Matt Murray is the last thing I'm worried about with this team. I would recommend Joe Starkey's column from today: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/joe-starkey/2018/04/04/Joe-Starkey-...

1:08

Murray hasn't had his best regular season. I'll give you that. But few Penguins are better equipped to quickly and successfully move past something. In fact, I just had an off-the-record conversation with Matt this morning about something similar. He'll be fine.

Guest

1:08

Is it so that a team is allowed only 4 call-ups after the trade deadline?

Jason Mackey

1:08

Four non-emergency recalls, yes. The Penguins are out of them.

guest

1:08

Hi Jason, wanted to first say that I am sorry for your loss. It sounded like you and your dad had a great relationship. Very tough to go through. Was wondering what the tone of the locker room was like?

Jason Mackey

1:09

Thank you for that. Nothing abnormal. A morning skate. An optional one. I wouldn't read anything into it one way or another. ... As a whole, I think these guys are just ready to start the playoffs.

Frank

1:09

Is it so that a team is allowed only 4 call-ups after the trade deadline? If it is, who are the Pens' call-ups? Also, what is the title of the official who sits in the box with penalized players?

Jason Mackey

1:10

They're just off-ice officials. I don't think he has a fancy title or anything. Believe it's been one of the goalies, ZAR, Simon and Jooris.

OHIO412FAN

1:10

Jason, what do the Penguins need to do now to three-peat? Get Murray in a groove? Get healthy? Fix defense? Any particular lineup adjustments?

Jason Mackey

1:10

There's only so much they can do from a lineup perspective. They are mostly healthy, other than Brassard. Play better defense and be more responsible with the puck would be a big one.

OHIO412FAN

1:10

What’s the status quo on Rowney, Brassard, and the rest of the injury room?

Jason Mackey

1:11

That's it. As far as we know, Rowney is skating on his own, Brassard is not.

OHIO412FAN

1:11

Seriously, why does MS keep starting Hunwick over Chad? There’s a distinct difference in the overall performance of the defense when one plays over the other. Why does the defense pinch so hard and so much, could this be why they struggle as of recently?

Jason Mackey

1:11

Ruhwedel is playing tonight. ... The problem isn't the defense pinching. That's the Penguins system. That's by design. A bigger issue has been the forwards covering for the defenseman who pinches.

OHIO412FAN

1:11

Is it pretty much certain that tonight’s game vs CBJ is game 1 of 8?

Jason Mackey

1:11

Sam Werner called it Game 0. I liked that.

Guest

1:11

First things first, Jason - on behalf of the fans of your work, we are so sorry for the loss of your father. Take care, my friend.

Jason Mackey

1:12

Thank you very much for that.