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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 5.10.18
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Jason Mackey
12:41
Hello, folks. Welcome to my weekly chat. Finishing up a few things here, but we're going to get started at 1, if not a little before. Thanks, as always, for hanging out with us. Should be a lot to talk about.
Mace
12:50
Hello, there.  Any insight on the futures of Jarry and DeSmith?  They are like reliable backups with a future as starter, but it's hard to imagine either replacing Murray.  Seems to me like one or both should be moved for money or talent. Thank you very much!
Jason Mackey
12:51
You're right -- neither will replace Murray. The Penguins really like DeSmith as a backup. He's low maintenance and better in a pinch. I think they view Jarry more as a starter. I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see them deal Jarry this summer, simply because he has nothing left to gain from being in the AHL and should be a valuable commodity for other teams.
OHIO412FAN
12:51
So, where do we go from here? A disappointment for sure. But, what do the Penguins need to do in order to hoist the Cup? To Do list?
Jason Mackey
12:53
I think you'll see them try to add a depth defenseman -- basically a No. 5. I think they'll tender their RFAs, probably sign Rust to a long-term deal. I think they'll gauge the market on guys like Hagelin, Brassard and Kessel. I think only Hagelin is likely to go. Maybe look at getting out from under Sheary and Hunwick, but that's going to be easy.
Bob
12:53
Looks like a Tampa - Nashville(Winnipeg) Stanley Cup final, eh?   Think this is the year that the Lightning strikes twice for their Cup #2?
Jason Mackey
12:54
They would be my pick at this point. That's the funny thing about the Pens. I know everyone is bummed they lost, but there's no way they were getting through Tampa the way the Penguins and Lightning were both playing.
OHIO412FAN
12:54
I would hate to see Hagelin and/or Sheary go. Yes, they had down years in some ways and such, but they contribute in so many more ways people don’t realize. What are your thoughts? Who do they resign and throw away?
Jason Mackey
12:55
Well, they don't need to re-sign anyone aside from their RFAs. I think they'll keep those guys, although they don't really impact Sheary and Hagelin. Hagelin is more about business. He's going to walk after next season. Might as well get something for him. Sheary would open up a spot for Sprong, ZAR or Simon. Doesn't really do a ton a justify making $3 million.
OHIO412FAN
12:55
I get people are fed up with Tanger, but he was so productive offensively. Defense was a struggle, but I think he was still getting acclimated back from the neck injury. Penguins should absolutely keep him around for the long run. What are your thoughts on Tanger, and how do they improve the defensive corps?
Jason Mackey
12:56
He's going to be inconsistent. He's a risk-taker. People need to live with it, to some degree. This year was a bit much, I agree. If it changes, and he's better next season, we'll move past it. If not, honestly, I don't think there's much they can do. I doubt a team will take that contract, with his age and medical history and him playing the way he's played.
OHIO412FAN
12:56
I love how Sprong is getting the nod next year. His potential makes me thrilled. But, with ZAR, Simon, and Rowney under the weather production wise, what should they do with them? Honestly, I’d send Simon and Rowney to Wilkes Barre. They have serious potential, but like Sprong, they could use more grooming. ZAR is the one I’d keep on the main roster. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
12:57
Well, Rowney is a UFA, and it's really doubtful he'll be back. Simon will get a chance. Sullivan -- you may have noticed -- loves him. Heck, Simon may be a part-owner of the club by the fall. .... Sprong's in. I think there's a job to be won by ZAR and Simon -- at least from how management makes it sound -- and the loser goes back to WBS.
Marvin
12:57
Never really understood breaking up a top line that was on fire (for Simon), especially in Game 6 when the Caps were missing two of their own top line players.   Thought Sullivan should've loaded up his top line for that game, and that line alone might've gotten them through to Game 7 (all they needed was 2 goals in regulation).   Think he'll regret not doing that for game 6?
Jason Mackey
12:58
I think there was more wrong with the Penguins than that, and I sort of understand why he did it: trying to spread his talent a little bit. What I didn't understand sticking with Simon as long as he did. I would've gone 59-87-72 ... 62-71-81 ... 43-19-17. ... 12-15-34 (used sparingly). But as I've noted, nobody asks for my opinion.
OHIO412FAN
12:58
According to my calculations, the Penguins will have roughly $10 million in cap space. Will they be expanding their overall space or working within the tight spaces? What do you see unfolding?
Jason Mackey
12:59
You've officially reached "more questions than my wife" territory ... they're going to spend to the cap, within about $1 million. There will be a lot in flux this summer because GMJR said there will be changes. But as sort of a blanket rule, they're going to spend all they're allowed to spend.
1
1:00
Is part of you happy the Pens are out of the Playoffs? More time to spend with family and friends?
Jason Mackey
1:00
It's mixed. In our business, the coolest stuff you get to do happens late in the playoffs. So in that sense, it sucks. But, yes, it is nice seeing my family and getting to be a normal human again. Not to sound like Matt Murray too much here, but I honestly don't care all that much. Either one, I'm good. Not like I get to control anything.
Guest
1:00
Jason. Jason. Jason. I told you back before the season started that Las Vegas was gonna be good and you didn't believe me. You dissed me in this chat. Admit it...you were WRONG!!!
Jason Mackey
1:01
I would've never dissed you, first off. But yeah, I didn't think Vegas would do this. I'm hardly alone.
Guest
1:01
Who wins the cup? I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say Winnipeg. Thoughts?
Jason Mackey
1:01
I'm going with Tampa.
Guest
1:01
Jason, ever since the Pens were eliminated I've been listening to Brokedown Palace by the Dead on repeat. You know it is probably the most choice sad nugg to play from the Dead. Do you feel it captures Pens fans emotions and is it the best sad Dead song?
Jason Mackey
1:02
Agree there. I'm not sure I could listen to it right now because of my dad. I'd be a bundle of tears.
Guest
1:02
Mackey, thanks for the good times this season. Will you be back on the Pens beat next season?
Jason Mackey
1:02
Unless the Post-Gazette decides to get rid of me, yes. I have no plans to go anywhere.
Guest
1:02
Why are all the fans so down on K. Letang?   What gives?
Jason Mackey
1:03
He was wildly inconsistent this season. It's gotta be tough as a fan to see what he looks like when he's on, then have that disappear with no real rhyme or reason.
Guest
1:03
Who do the Pens take in the draft? Is there a next Gretzsky in this draft class?
Jason Mackey
1:03
It's too early, and they pick too late, to say exactly who they're going to pick. I'm willing to bet the first choice is a defenseman, though. There ain't much of them in the pipeline, believe it or not.
rich
1:04
It looked to me that the Caps played an aggressive neutral zone trap. The Pens tried to force the issue with feeble attempts to skate the puck in or pass it cross  ice only to give it  away. There were no adjustments(dump and chase) made. Thankful for all the success of this organization.
Jason Mackey
1:05
Rich, Washington did a couple different things. They even slid into a 1-4 at times. But honestly, I don't think Sullivan got out-coached. His team was tired. It had played 307 games in three years. That's crazy. Plus, the Capitals are good. It's not always about adjustments. They're part, sure, but there's more you're going to want to consider.
Connor Glunt
1:05
Do you think Dumoulin will still be paired with Letang next year? Dumoulin becoming more of an offensive threat during the postseason is great for him, but Letang almost needs a stay-at-home defenseman to clean up his mistakes.
Jason Mackey
1:05
I don't think so. I think they mesh well -- when Letang is going. Sullivan really likes it, too. Maatta/Letang wasn't great. I suppose if they add a guy who fits, sure, but I know Letang likes his partner to jump up into the play too, to not be an anchor. Dumoulin honestly complements Letang quite well.
PENS FANS
1:07
Jason, what a long strange trip it has been with the team shining on these last two seasons like a crazy diamond. What word or phrase best sums up the Penguins from 2015-2018?
Jason Mackey
1:07
Dark star crashes, pouring its light into ashes.
Reason tatters, the forces tear loose from the axis.
Searchlight casting for faults in the clouds of delusion.
Shall we go, you and I while we can
PGH
1:07
What was the name of the movie you were in that takes place at a Pens game? An action movie of some type.
Jason Mackey
1:08
Sudden Death. Wasn't me. 'Twas my dad.
123456
1:08
What does this team need to do to make it back to the Finals next year? What additions/subtractions can be made?
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