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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 8.23.18
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John
1:31
Do you have a gut feeling on the type of season Murray is going to have? For all the hand-wringing over Jack Johnson (and rightfully so) It seems like in broad terms this season comes down to Murray. If he puts up another .907 they are in trouble. If he is a .925 goalie they will dominate. And if hes somewhere in the middle, .917ish they will be perfectly fine and one of the better teams.
Jason Mackey
1:32
Such is goaltending in the NHL, huh John? You're exactly right. If Murray stinks, the Penguins will, too. But I don't think he will. Just the opposite, actually. If I had to guess, I think Murray is fairly hacked off at the year he had and those questioning his ability. I think he bounces back in a big way and winds up with a SV% around .923 or .925.
Shady87
1:32
This has to be the year they start Sprong on the 1st line. If Defense is an issue, how is he going to be a 3rd line grinder. Do you see him at least getting the first shot with Did?
Jason Mackey
1:33
I see him getting his first shifts with Brassard for a couple reasons. 1. It gives Brassard a new look, something he hasn't seen before. 2. Brassard isn't a traditional third-line center; he's a No. 2 shoehorned in. 3. If Guentzel and Sprong are your top-line wingers, Sid has to be the responsible one. I wouldn't want that. But Sprong does need to play meaningful minutes, and I think that he will -- so long as he takes care of his end of the deal.
HB
1:37
In your opinion what was the worst contact handed out so far this offseason?
Jason Mackey
1:38
I don't love the James Neal deal, although I realize I might be in the majority. Was also surprised to see the number on the Tom Wilson contract. Really high, IMO. But I can understand why the Capitals like it.
John
1:38
Where do things stand between Sullivan and Kessel?
Jason Mackey
1:39
Same as it's always been: fine. They're vastly different people, they're going to disagree on certain things, and Kessel is hardly shy about voicing his opinion. They'll probably curse each other out a couple times this season. But Sullivan welcomes it, can handle it, and I don't think it's a massive deal. Sullivan gives it back, too.
Doug
1:39
Are you aware of any additional outlets that will be streaming the NHL Network?  I noticed Hulu had done some sponsoring during the NHL Playoffs.  Even though one subscribes to Center Ice games are blacked out if carried on the NHL Network and my cable company doesn't carry the NHL Network.  Just looking for a way to stream.  Thanks!
Jason Mackey
1:40
I'm sorry, I don't know. Not super up on that stuff. We have Fios. Our package includes the NHL Network. I'm fine paying for it. That's about all I know.
guest
1:40
In looking at the Sheary trade, do they ever approach a player, or they permitted, to ask for a salary reduction to stay?
Jason Mackey
1:40
No. That's not possible in the NHL the way it is in the NFL. Salaries are guaranteed. Even if the player said yes, there's nothing that could be done. Have to trade the player or buy him out.
Bri
1:40
Any chance we see bellerive this year as the yearly winger we call up to put on sids line ?
Jason Mackey
1:41
No. It's too early. He's a couple years away still.
Max
1:41
Could you foresee the penguins moving Kessel next offseason/draft in order to make a run at Artemi Panarin since he doesn’t want to re-sign with Columbus? Brassard and Hags frees up $7 plus Phil’s $6.8 but they still have to extend guenztal.
Jason Mackey
1:43
I don't think so. If Kessel is tradable -- meaning he has another monster year -- it's not worth it; he's every bit the elite player, or at least close enough (because you'd have to kick in significant pieces due to age discrepancy). If Kessel trails off, there's a good chance nobody wants him for that sort of money. If Brassard is bad enough to where the Penguins don't want to bring him back, there's a good chance he's moved in-season.
Yinz
1:43
Is sprong gonna be a bust? It’s starting to seem like it he’s pretty soft
Jason Mackey
1:44
He's 21 years old. He's played 26 NHL games. I think it's entirely too early to come to any logical conclusions regarding what Daniel Sprong is or isn't. He's also not "starting to seem" anything. Dude's trying to adjust to the league. Doesn't mean he's soft.
Bob Warmus
1:44
I’ve been watching some NHL Network replays of Pens - Washington series. Holt you should be thankful for goal post shots or they wouldn’t have moved on. How important is it for the Pens to finish ahead of the Caps this year?
Jason Mackey
1:45
Ha, Bob. I'm not a Caps fan -- I'm not a fan of any team -- but my goodness, you can't blame the Capitals series on posts. They were far and away the better team. Call a spade a spade. And Holtby was significantly better than Murray.
rmjs66
1:45
re appreciating the team...  I am stealing a rule I read about.  It's a 5 year no complaining rule if your team wins a Championship.  since the Pens won back to back.... No whining until 2027
Jason Mackey
1:47
Interesting thought. I think there needs to be a middle ground here. By all means, be critical. Scrutinize. Second guess. That's what makes sports fun. And the Penguins know that. They're not dumb. But the people who act like GMJR or HCMS are brain-dead because they have a different opinion than you, maybe freak out just a wee bit less.
pghgolfgirl
1:47
Jason:  With all of the summer leagues that the players are participating in (Jake playing in the Beauty League; Letang playing in one in Quebec, etc.), isn't the team worried about injuries?  Even though there isn't a lot of hitting involved, I'm surprised that their contracts would permit that.  Is this something new or has it gone on for years and I just didn't know about it?
Jason Mackey
1:48
It has gone on for years, trust me. Whether it's organized or not, it's hard to keep these guys off the ice. It isn't the 1980s or 1990s anymore. These guys are crazy serious about their training and conditioning. They're going to skate and do stuff. Also, I've seen these summer league: The players, ahem, do everything they can to ensure no injuries are suffered as a result of hitting.
Joe
1:48
I think we should call up cramarossa (not sure of spelling) , you think we see him? Or even Wilson
Jason Mackey
1:49
Joe, I'm sorry but I have no idea who the first player is you suggested. Garrett Wilson could hold his own, but he's a ways down on the depth chart. Not sure you have to worry about buying his jersey this season.
THAD5192
1:49
if  sid plays with JG and simon or horn ,is it fair for sprong to be 4th line,cant see him succeeding there,
Jason Mackey
1:50
He's not going to be on the fourth line. GMJR has already said that. Sprong is going to play in the top nine. And because you don't want Geno being too deferential, or Sprong shooting too darn much, it's going to be with either Crosby or Brassard.
TC
1:50
Do you know if Letang has been doing his usual rigorous training this off season, which he admitted that he was not able to do last season post neck surgery, or has he been advised to curtail some of those intense workouts?
Jason Mackey
1:50
Everything that I've heard, Letang is doing his full, normal workout. No limitations or anything.
FoolBack
1:50
Jason, I'm still learning my hockey ins-and-outs, after being a primary football guy most of my life.  Can Sprong work well with Crosby, when it seems Sid is makes more out of scrappier players?
Jason Mackey
1:51
Yes, he can, although it is a different style of player for Sid. Crosby has traditionally done well with grinder types like Pascal Dupuis, guys who work in corners, use their speed and can pass. Sprong ain't exactly that, but he has other talents (shooting), and Crosby knows how to accentuate those.
Shane
1:51
Who do you think the left wingers will be after guentzel and haglin?
Jason Mackey
1:54
My lines to start: Guentzel-Crosby-Hornqvist ... Hagelin-Malkin-Kessel ... Sheahan-Brassard-Sprong ... Grant-Cullen-Rust ... Simon out. ZAR in minors or out. Rust on his natural side. Sheahan helps cover some for Sprong's lack of defense. Hayes could jump in soon.
John
1:54
Have contract talks started with Guentzel yet? What do you see his cap hit being? Larkin's 6.1M is probably what his agent is bringing up.
Jason Mackey
1:55
Yes, I think $6 million is probably a starting point. They haven't started to the point where it's productive to mention it. There's basically a standing agreement that, unless something changes, they're going to kick the can until next summer. I wouldn't term that as contract talks having started, though.
Shane
1:55
Who do you think will be the bottom two left wingers?
Jason Mackey
1:56
Interesting thing to watch. With a tremendous camp, ZAR could earn a spot. I'd put Cullen, Grant or Sheahan in one of the two spots. Another will center the fourth line. Expect them, too, to try Rust with Brassard. Those two were good together at times, and it may be worth re-investigating. Lot of trial and error ahead.
guest
1:57
with the Pens early exit last playoffs, do you seem them getting off to a very hot start due to the pent up energy and mission they will probably be on to redeem that loss?
Jason Mackey
1:57
Eh, these guys are pros. The rah-rah stuff isn't as real as some people on the outside may like to think. I think the Penguins could enjoy a very good start because they're still a good team. Has nothing to do with losing last season, although surely that won't hurt them.
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