JotCast | Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 4.5.18

Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 4.5.18

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Pens4Life

1:19

Have you ever seen a worse stretch of penalty killing?

Jason Mackey

1:19

I'm sure I have at some point in 34 years.

Pens4Life

1:19

Do you mingle with writers in other cities you travel to? Who are some of your favorites?

Jason Mackey

1:20

Yes, I do. Columbus guys are great -- Reed and Portzline. Toronto, too -- McGran, Zeisberger, Arthur, etc. National people. Too many to name, honestly.

Pens4Life

1:20

I know you touched on this in your 20 thoughts, but MM says his play has been average. Should fans worry that it seems we need at least 4 or 5 goals to win because he isn’t playing to the level he’s capable of?

Jason Mackey

1:20

Not at all. I think he'll be fine come playoff time.

Pens4Life

1:20

NFL players hit the weight room frequently. What do NHL players do to keep up their strength and stay in shape? Is there a lot of weightlifting involved? You don’t see a lot of buff, ripped hockey players often – just guys who are in remarkable shape in other ways.

Jason Mackey

1:20

They hit the weight room, too. It's just a different set of goals. They actually lift right after games.

Pens4Life

1:20

I say Doc Emrick is the greatest play-by-play man in any sport, ever. Agree or disagree?

Jason Mackey

1:20

Disagree.

Pens4Life

1:21

You recently called Mike Milbury a stooge. I’ve never cared for him either mostly due to his blatant and obvious dislike of the Pens, but I’m curious to know why many (you’re certainly not the only one) professionals dislike him?

Jason Mackey

1:21

He says things just to be incendiary and get a reaction. It's not honest hockey analysis. He wants to be a cartoon character instead of actually adding something insightful.

west

1:21

What team in gonna win the west? Nashville?

Jason Mackey

1:21

That's my pick.

roger

1:21

Any truth to the rumor that the NHL is considering going with a ball instead of a puck? I've heard that a ball may ultimately be safer and better for the league in terms of liability related to player or fan injuries. I think it would ruin the game, but I don't want to be opposed to change. Thank you.

Jason Mackey

1:21

Good one. Although with the NHL, I guess you never know.

Guest

1:22

Is it a foregone conclusion that Seattle is getting an NHL team? Has it been decided? I would really really like Quebec City to get a team again. They deserve it for myriad reasons that I won't get into here. Think they will ever get a team again?

Jason Mackey

1:22

It is Seattle. I don't know if it's official yet, but there will be a team there soon. The NHL has been wanting to be there for years. ... I honestly don't think so. And I think that's a huge shame for QC.

Scott

1:22

Hi jason...Why are injuries so secret and categorized as upper or lower? Why do the teams just say what is really wrong with the player?

Jason Mackey

1:22

They're worried about opposing players targeting said injuries.

1:22

Really enjoyed your previous two 21 thoughts just wish you had more thoughts so I could read more.

Jason Mackey

1:23

Ha. Much like these chats sometimes, there's a ceiling when you're talking about the human element. I like seeing my family and sleep sometimes, too.

1:23

If we wrap up the division tonight will the stars be sat tomorrow?

Jason Mackey

1:24

The Capitals already clinched the division. If they clinch home ice, yes; they'll get aggressive with rest.

1:24

Who do you think should win MVP? I believe it has to be Mackinnion single handily turn Colorado’s season around.

Jason Mackey

1:25

Kucherov would be pick as I sit here today, but I think MacKinnon has a very good case. Hall, Malkin and Giroux, too.

guest

1:26

If all are healthy, who is on the fourth line? With Sheahan playing so good with Sheary/Hornvquist it is a shame to keep him on the fourth line.

Jason Mackey

1:26

I agree. I think they need more elements on their fourth line. I could see Sheahan, Sheary/Rust and Kuhnhackl.

Al in NJ

1:26

Hi, Jason. The Pens seem to be counting on playoff intensity to improve their defensive play. Do you personally believe it will happen?

Jason Mackey

1:27

I do. A lot of the stuff plaguing them right now is responsibility and diligence stuff. It's not like they're incapable. I think sometimes they're just sloppy and careless. I do think that part of their game will be fine come playoff time.

ronesz

1:27

Thanks for this week's stories, Jason. Great to get these glimpses of the more personal lives of the (ex-)Pens. My Q: Who would you like to play in the first round: Flyers or Blue Jackets?

Jason Mackey

1:27

I think Columbus would be the best for the Penguins. Would also be my personal preference.

1:27

Do you see last Sunday's loss at home against Washington as a potential issue with the Penguins game or chalk it up as the grind of an 80+ game season?

Jason Mackey

1:28

Going with the latter. I didn't see any glaring issues that will stick with the club.

Guest

1:28

was the reviewed and overturned goal in Nashville the other night bs and why did the NHL just start doing these reviews now most of the way through the season?

Jason Mackey

1:28

I thought it was. I thought it should've counted. They've been reviewing them the whole time, FYI. But why did they change this one? I honestly don't know.

Guest

1:28

Jason, thinking of you friend in this time of loss. Hope you are doing ok.

Jason Mackey

1:28

Thank you for that.

Ken from Canada

1:28

What are your concerns with the Pens this year as the playoffs get ready to start? Mine are defense and goalkeeping thanks

Jason Mackey

1:29

Agree, Ken. Only other thing I'd throw out there is health. Gotta have Brassard back and keep everyone else in the mix.