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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 9.20.18
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Jason Mackey
1:18
Crosby has them sharpened after every period, I believe. I think he's the only in-game sharpener, but I can't say that for sure.
Steven
1:18
Certainly don't want to ask you to speculate on the nature of an injury or anything like that, but how was Bellerive looking while recovering from his incident over the summer? Did he seem to be trending in the right direction?
Jason Mackey
1:18
I don't see Bellerive as being all the way back. I respect him wanting to get back on the ice. Admire it, even. But he looks way more tentative than he did in the past. Not nearly finding his rhythm.
Matt in Cleveland
1:18
Which of the players sent back to JRs today would you bet on making the big club 1st?
Jason Mackey
1:19
Addison is the best of the bunch, in my opinion.
HB
1:19
Who will get a regular season win first the penguins or the Steelers?
Jason Mackey
1:19
That's a good one. Would have to thin the Steelers, but my goodness. If they lose Monday in Tampa, it's going to be a full-out emergency.
Guest
1:19
How many roster spots are actually up for grabs coming out of training camp on the NHL club?
Jason Mackey
1:20
Pretty much none. They know their defensemen, although Juuso Riikola has done a nice job taking over that No. 8 spot. Maybe a forward spot but probably not. It's more about positions and who fits with whom.
Guest
1:20
But what kind of career has Jordan Stahl had since leaving PGH?
Jason Mackey
1:20
Not as good, that's for sure. Hasn't been back to the playoffs. But I do think he likes what his bank account looks like, and Raleigh is a really nice city.
LN
1:20
Hi Jason,  do you think Riikola has a shot to make the opening day roster?  I am surprised he signed here given there doesn't seem to be an opening.
Jason Mackey
1:21
I think he'll start the season in Wilkes-Barre, but I do think he'll be the first one up here if anything happens. He's looked really good so far. He might be better than Chad Ruhwedel, honestly, but I think it would be better for him to let him ease into it a little with a trip to WBS first.
Guest
1:21
If Antonio Brown was a Penguin and did what he did on Monday, not showing up to practice, how would the Pens handle it?
Jason Mackey
1:21
Sullivan would suspend him. It also would've never gotten to that.
Guest
1:21
What pro athelete (current) from another sport do you think would have the easiest transition to the NHL?
Jason Mackey
1:22
I'm going to cheat a little bit and go Neil Walker. I've heard that he's really, really good on skates. And that he loves it.
1999
1:22
Did you ever find out if Jim Thorpe played any hockey? I remember you saying you'd look into it a few months back
Jason Mackey
1:22
I never did, sorry. My wife hid my Encyclopedia Brittanica.
Scooby Doo
1:22
Will PPG Paints Arena sell Scooby snacks this season?
Jason Mackey
1:23
You'll have to check with Aramark on that one.
dave
1:23
Which of the centers is most likely to start the season as a winger?
Jason Mackey
1:24
Before camp, I would have said Matt Cullen. He's most comfortable doing it. But I've really liked Cullen at center and Grant at wing. If Sheahan can't go -- although, to be fair, they're optimistic he'll be ready for opening day -- then I'd go Grant on the wing. We'll see. I think that stuff is still TBD.
FR
1:24
Mackey.  How is Dad looking so far?  I'm excited for his return and what he will bring to the locker room and to the younger players.  Do you think he will center the 4th line?
Jason Mackey
1:25
I think he's going to be in the lineup. Where? Still working that out. He's looked really good. Fast. Not behind at all. The guys are loving having him around, but that's not all that meaningful now. It'll be more beneficial throughout the season and when they struggle. He's just a calming voice. Totally reasonable. They need him there for that stuff.
LN
1:25
Based on some comments in your articles, it seems players are excited to have Cullen back.  do you think the lockerroom will be a little looser this year?
Jason Mackey
1:25
Yes, very much so. And it's not necessarily goofing around, it's just knowing you're OK and having that quiet confidence. Then if Cullen says something, to pick it up or change something or that they should be worried, to address that.
Joe
1:26
In your opinion does the opening night roster consist of 14 forwards or 8 defensemen?
Jason Mackey
1:27
I think they go with 14 forwards. I'd keep Riikola in the minors to let him develop more in a lower-pressure environment.
Guest
1:27
Everyone knows you are CRAZY about the Grateful Dead. They are your favorite band. But what is your second favorite Band? THANKS
Jason Mackey
1:29
Second favorite is easy: Jason Isbell (and of course Amanda Shires). But from the Dead I go to Isbell then Sturgill Simpson, Slaid Cleves ... classic rock (CCR, Petty, ACDC, Doors, Cream, Hendrix) ... to blues (Jimmy Rogers, Savoy Brown, other old stuff) ... to classic country (Waylon, Merle, Cash) ... to punk (Rancid, Screeching Weasel, Bouncing Souls). ... All over the place, I guess.
Matt in Cleveland
1:29
If Haggerty keeps scoring/playing well, any chance he get an NHL contract and stays in PGH?
Jason Mackey
1:32
He's not going to stay in Pittsburgh. However, they do like him, and I don't doubt he could work his way up the ladder rather quickly. Honestly, they don't have a ton of high-level prospects. If a dude proves he can fill the net consistently, then he's going to get rewarded for it, especially here.
Scarzy
1:32
Hello Jason, what are you feelings on Matt Murray returning to top form this season after a tough season last year on and off the ice?
Jason Mackey
1:33
I think as long as Matt is healthy, I like where he's at mentally and physically. He needs to stay healthy, though. He's yet to prove he can do that for an extended stretch. I also think last season was really hard on him. When we talked earlier this preseason, man, did he seem a lot different. More mature. Like he's moved past stuff. I think people forget too easily how dominant he can be. I think he might offer a pretty good reminder of that this season.
Amy
1:33
Do you think Crosby is more likely to play Saturday or Sunday? Who is more likely to win the backup job DeSmith or Jarry since neither one got a win?
Jason Mackey
1:34
If memory serves, he usually plays the Free Game for Kids. I'd expect him in the lineup Saturday. ... Right now I'd say it's the same as when it started: DeSmith ahead by a hair. He's the incumbent. He's certainly done nothing to lose his job. They've both been equally as good. Also, the win doesn't matter. It's preseason. Matters more how they each played.
LN
1:34
do the Penguins have a rule for their players of no social media during the season?  Or are hockey players just a different breed of athlete that doesn't get caught up in all that nonsense?
Jason Mackey
1:34
The latter. There's no rule. It's just that hockey players generally aren't idiots.
1999
1:34
Can you check into the Jim Thorpe hockey question before next chat?
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