JotCast | Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 9.20.18

Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 9.20.18

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Jason Mackey

1:35

I'll let you do that.

His Little Princess

1:35

With Conor Sheary’s trade the Sabres, how do you feel Sully will fare this year without his little Princess to plug in and out of the lineup?

Jason Mackey

1:36

Wow, going there, huh? I think Sully, winner of 9 of 10 playoff series here, will be just fine. I'm not sure his nephew-in-law changes things one way or the other.

Doug

1:36

Hi Jason, I have not seen any reference to NHL rule changes on the league's website. Are you aware of any tweaks to rules or changes in the way rules will be enforced for the upcoming season? Thanks

Jason Mackey

1:36

There's a goalie equipment tweak, I believe with chest protectors, but I think that's it. Other than that, there are no major rule changes for this season.

Pens4Life

1:36

It’s only one preseason game, but how did Jack Johnson look to you in his debut?

Jason Mackey

1:38

I've liked Jack Johnson's game this whole preseason. He looked excellent last night, yes, but I've loved his skating, shot, confidence, comfortability with Justin Schultz, a lot of things. Zero concern for me there.

Guest

1:38

Riikola’s been looking good. Is there a chance he could actually be the 7th defenseman or are we getting excited for nothing?

Jason Mackey

1:38

Not getting excited for nothing, but I think you need to keep in what what he is: A Finn playing his first-ever hockey in North America. It's been two games. I think maybe we could stand to pump the brakes a little, although I'll admit he's been good.

sing

1:38

Who is the best or most famous National Anthem singer you've seen in person before an NHL game?

Jason Mackey

1:39

I can't recall anything particularly memorable. I was fortunate enough to miss Kid Rock at this past year's All-Star Game, for which I'm eternally grateful.

Guest

1:39

Now that Sheary is gone, who will become the focal point of fan ire this year?

Jason Mackey

1:39

That's up to you guys, but I have zero doubt you'll come through. You'll blame it all on somebody.

Guest

1:39

Jason, what in the world is wrong with Antonio Brown? What he said about Ed Bouchette is not only untrue but slanderous. We all love Ed here in PGH and I'd like to hear a few words from a coworker like you reflecting what a great guy Ed is. I know you look up to him very much and have mentioned it repeatedly in these chats.

Jason Mackey

1:40

I do. And I'm Team Ed 100 percent. Ed is not a racist. That's ridiculous. He's a Hall of Fame beat reporter. It's not my job to criticism Antonio Brown, although I don't see how the media puts too much pressure on him or does this or that when the dude is showing up in helicopters and constantly putting his business out there for the world to see.

Guest

1:40

Who most likely will fill the void left by Sheary's absence?

Jason Mackey

1:41

It'll likely be Daniel Sprong getting that spot in the top-nine, although they're going to juggle things a bit to make that happen.

Guest

1:41

Does JR let your son run around the locker room like Cullen's kids do?

Jason Mackey

1:42

I don't know because I wouldn't try. We are objective. I don't take favors from the Penguins; we as media have to remain objective. My wife and son go to things because they're fans. And they conduct themselves like fans, waiting in the same lines, etc. I would never use my job or access for personal gain. That's a big no-no.

Guest

1:42

Can the Pens remain relevant and is Jack Johnson any relation to Jack Johnson of music fame ? Did jack johnson get traded to PIttsburgh?

Jason Mackey

1:42

Jack Johnson the musician did not get traded to Pittsburgh. The ice would freeze his bare feet. No hockey for him.

Guest

1:42

Leveon Bell dabbles in rap. Who on the Penguins might we expect to push out some music some day?

Jason Mackey

1:43

Zach Aston-Reese and Matt Murray are the only two musically inclined Penguins I'm aware of. ZAR plays guitar and some bass in a band with his dad and brother. Murray plays guitar and taught himself two years ago to play piano.

ShotBlckr

1:43

Why does Josh Yohe have the biggest hard on for Ian Cole?

Jason Mackey

1:45

We all appreciated how helpful Ian was to media. Still do, along with several other players in that room (Sid, Murray, Maatta, Rust, among others). I can't speak for Josh -- who remains a friend -- but I think it's something common among all of us: Just appreciating someone who helps us do our jobs.

Guest

1:45

Is it uncomfortable around the press room when all the ex-DKPittsburgh Sports writers sit in the same room with Dejan?

Jason Mackey

1:46

It's not for me. Dejan and I speak. He apologized last year over some false statements he made about me and Dave Molinari (saying I stabbed Dave in the back), I forgave him and we moved on like adults. Dejan is a talented writer, and his team does great work. Matt and I are proud of what we're doing here. No reason for awkwardness as far as I'm concerned.

music

1:46

You should listen to John Prine. He's a great musician!

Jason Mackey

1:47

I have some. I just watched a roundtable with him, Isbell, Shires, Brandi Carlile, Dave Cobb and Margo Price. Really neat.

Super Genius

1:47

Who has the highest body fat to IQ ratio in pittsburgh media and why is it Mark madden

Jason Mackey

1:48

Do you feel better coming into someone's chat and trying to make fat jokes about someone you listen to on the radio? Someone who, of course, has nothing to do with said chat.

Conor fan

1:48

Building on a previous Q, how do you think Sherry will perform in buffalo this year? 20 goals skating with Mittelstadt?

Jason Mackey

1:48

I like it. I think Sheary makes a lot of sense for the Sabres, who need five-on-five scoring. He adds a little bit for the young kids. Good skater. Struggles to stay on his feet but can play fast. Acquiring cost was minimal. They can fit him for two years. I can see why Botterill was OK with it.

Guest

1:48

Imma keep it real with you Jason

Jason Mackey

1:49

Appreciate that. Now and always.

Guest

1:49

Is it just me, or has Maatta looked quicker on his feet so far?

Jason Mackey

1:50

I think it's too early to tell, but Maatta did address his skating in the offseason. I'll refer you to my colleague Matt Vensel's piece on Olli from a couple days ago ... http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2018/09/17/olli-maatta-pen...

1:50

Jason, why are you answering some of these stupid questions? Let's just stick to the penguins.

Jason Mackey

1:50

The Phil Lesh ones are done. I'm ignoring those.

Guest

1:50

What do you think of a 4th line of ZAR-Sheahan-Cullen?

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