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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 9.27.18
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Jason Mackey
12:55
Hi everyone. Welcome to my Thursday chat. Hope you're having a great day. Off today but happy to do this chat, as always. Fire away ...
K
1:01
Do you think they will be DB or trade him away
Jason Mackey
1:02
I'm assuming this is about Derick Brassard? I don't think they're going to trade him away, and I don't think they want to, either. Will they if he's not a fit? Yeah, probably. I think that's why Rutherford got a bunch of centers this offseason, in case that happens. But Brassard has looked markedly different so far this preseason, and his line has been really good.
Chad
1:02
Does Riikola’s success make Maatta expendable?
Jason Mackey
1:04
Why, why, why are we in such a hurry to run Maatta out of town? Sorry, Chad, I don't mean to jump on you. It just seems like people want him to be expendable, tradeable, something. He's coming off his best pro season. He's healthy. Great attitude. Tremendous work ethic. He's still very young. Why the hurry to banish him? And just because you get depth at defense doesn't mean you automatically need to trade someone.
Rick
1:04
Jason, can you give insight into the true nature of Brassard injury last season that hampered him so?  I might have missed it, but limited details even after the season, perhaps meaning it lingered into off-season?
Jason Mackey
1:05
No actual details have surface, Rick, almost in like a CSI way. Nobody, and I mean nobody, is saying anything. Here's what I think: It was something ... let's call it groin-related that may be gross. I don't know that for sure but (a) I know it seriously affected his ability to skate (b) was very painful and (c) nobody will say a blessed word about it. Even now. If it was a tweaked muscle or even a fracture, why not say it, right?
Pens lover
1:05
Do you think Sid and Kathy will ever get married?
Jason Mackey
1:07
Maybe. But if they do, I'm willing to bet there will be minimum fuss made over it. You may only hear about it after the fact.
Guest
1:07
I’m really liking Riikola. What r the chances we see him soon, who would u have sit out for that to happen ? Or is he just a back up in case of injury ?
Jason Mackey
1:08
I've liked Riikola, too. They would have to sit someone for him to play. I guess I could see it with, say, Oleksiak, but I don't want him out of the lineup against any team with size; I want that jam and toughness. What I think is most likely is this: Riikola plays games in WBS, stays ready, and you see him the first sign of anything. I wouldn't be shocked if he stuck with the big club, at least for a week or so, to kinda get a glimpse of NHL life. But if everyone is healthy and productive, they'd probably prefer he play games in WBS while Ruhwedel sits.
MA
1:09
Is the Sprong project on its last leg? I much prefer what zar and grant bring to the team. I know they aren’t similar players.
Jason Mackey
1:11
Good question. I think the Sprong project, as you called it, has hit a bit of a snag because he hasn't been able to translate what was supposed to have been a big summer onto the ice. He's been ... just ordinary. In his situation -- the same as ZAR or Simon -- you need to give the coaches something to talk about. Sprong hasn't. If anything, it's been the opposite with how he's handled the puck through the neutral zone, some of the unnecessarily risk stuff he's tried. GMJR likes Sprong. HCMS is ... tolerant. But if Sprong isn't going to produce offense, there's not much reason to play him.
Adam Smith
1:11
There has been a lot of talk this summer about Crosby turning 31 and his seemingly “inevitable decline.” But when has Crosby ever not exceeded everyone’s expectations? Couple that with the fact that other generational talents like Steve Yzerman and Joe Sakic (who were not as much generational talents as Crosby is) produced well into their 30s, should we really be surprised if Crosby wins another scoring title or a few more championships?
Jason Mackey
1:13
I wouldn't be. Crosby loves hockey. Like almost to an unhealthy degree, where you want to get him to take a day off or chill out or something like that. I have zero concern about him going anywhere. All that window talk, I don't get it. Neither do a lot of people. Funny you bring that up. We're doing a preview section, and my story addresses what you're asking about. Anyway, we shouldn't be surprised. His insatiable ability and natural ability ... scary stuff when it comes to aging. If his body holds up his end of the bargain, my 4-year-old may be in college before Sid calls it a career.
Steven
1:13
Any tip off on what Sprong's injury is? I know he got kind of clipped with a knee on knee towards the end of last night's game.
Jason Mackey
1:14
I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's probably a knee injury.
Guest
1:14
Sid’s line hasn’t been productive (other than sid’s Assists) do think that’s something to be worried about or is it just a preseason thing
Jason Mackey
1:14
Just a preseason thing. I would not worry about it whatsoever. Does that mean 59-87-72 will stay together forever? Absolutely not. Surely Bryan Rust will get a shot, maybe Dom Simon or someone else entirely on the right side. But I've seen nothing alarming, that's for sure.
ZAR
1:14
Should I start looking for that apartment in the Strip or should I kick my subletters in Wilkes out?
Jason Mackey
1:15
You're probably headed back to Wilkes, Zach. Will miss you. You're a good quote. You'll be back soon. Don't get too comfortable don't there.
Puck That
1:15
Dea sent to Wilkes...
Jason Mackey
1:15
Yep. And Trotman. No shock there.
Guest
1:15
Phil looks great this season. Best shape of his life and already scoring great goals. Did the pens get more involved in his off season training or was that all Phil?
Jason Mackey
1:16
Nah, just Phil. Couple summers ago he started working out with Gary Roberts. They let Phil do his own thing ... in many ways. And credit to them: I think a lot of organizations would feel like they need to control everything. Phil does things his own way, and they respect that.
NotMoreplz
1:16
Who do you think the Pens will stick JJ with. I haven't really seen him do good with anyone, but I think Jamie would be your best option.
Jason Mackey
1:16
He hasn't spent one minute with Jamie thus far. I thought he was best with Schultz. I'd go that route. But it seems Sully is intrigued by this Maatta thing. Again, I don't get it, but if you're trying to maybe get Schultz out in some advantageous situations, I can get behind it.
Rick
1:17
Jason, taking an educated guess, what was most talented team starting into season - 2018 versus 2015 and 2016 Cup lifting teams?   No guarantee on outcome or health, just your opinion on roster make up at first puck drop.
Jason Mackey
1:17
I would say the team going into the 2016-17 season, the one where they basically retained everyone. Great down the middle and on the back end. Fleury and Murray -- even though it wouldn't be sustainable long-term. A terrific mindset of basically needing to repeat.
Steve
1:18
I tend to believe the best thing for Sprong right now is to just play. Give him 20 games on Sids line and see if he produces. Hiding him away in WBS will only hinder his development. I'm not sure he's worth much now as trade bait, so why not see if he can make the jump
Jason Mackey
1:19
He sure isn't worth much in a trade, you got that right. And I don't think they want to pay him $800,000 or whatever his contract is to play minor-league hockey. I think they're hoping he finds chemistry with someone soon, but if he doesn't, I don't think they're above healthy-scratching him to send a message. Honestly, I wouldn't send him to WBS. It would potentially allow him to develop more bad habits while feeling that things are easy ... when they're obviously not. If he can't earn a spot, I'd healthy scratch him, work him hard after practices and skates and hope he responds and wants to stick it to me. If he doesn't, well, I guess we're done here.
JC
1:19
Hi Jason why are none of the Pens games on tv? Pirates are done this is ludicrous that only 2 preseason games are going to be aired. Do you see that changing in the future?
Jason Mackey
1:21
Not really. It costs a lot of money for AT&T SportsNet to do the preseason games, and as I understand it, the bang isn't worth the buck. Whether it's Pirates or Steelers or college football or whatever, the Penguins aren't the lead dog in town right now. I can see it from the PG's web traffic. Cross that with AT&T having a contract to televise so many Pirates games, and it just doesn't make sense for them to overextend to put, say, Adam Johnson on their air. I like what the Penguins have done this season, though, livestreaming the games synched to the radio broadcast. I don't know why more teams aren't doing that.
Adam Smith
1:23
I look forward to that preview on Crosby, Jason. On a related note, everyone knows that the NHL is trending younger, but would you expect that to change as player’s begin to age whose games are built more and more on speed? I look at someone like Matt Cullen and he seems to stand out as an older guy who has lasted mostly due to his ability to keep up with the pace of the game.
Jason Mackey
1:25
It's actually about more than just Crosby. It's about this championship window and what No. 4 would mean. Anyway ... I think the NHL will keep trending younger ... and who knows, Matt Cullen might still be playing. Cullen is not normal -- and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. The amount he puts into his diet, working out, etc. -- I saw this stuff firsthand, remember -- is truly remarkable. And he's had the good fortune to go along with it. ... But there's also going to be young guys coming in and pushing the older guys. They're going to be faster and more athletic. That's how it should work, in any sport.
me
1:25
Does Derek Grant have a place on this team?
Jason Mackey
1:25
I think so. With Sprong currently out, he's their 4RW. And let's face it: There are going to be injuries. I think Grant can be an extremely valuable player for them.
Marc Andre
1:25
Is #30 aware that not only is it not frowned upon, but rather encouraged to move his glove hand?
Jason Mackey
1:26
Yes, he is aware. I thought Murray's been just fine this preseason, maybe even a little better than expected. If we're talking about the goal last night, I get it. But how about the puck gets out of the zone first? And it's OK to tip your cap, too. His SV% in the preseason is nearly .930, if I'm not mistaken.
copall
1:27
Usually a guy like Sprong would be wasted on a 4th line, but I don’t think it would hurt if he started the season with Sheahan and Cullen. Both are responsible enough defensively to cover for Sprong. Plus, I don’t think Pittsburgh’s 4th line will be a traditional, checking/grinding line. More like another 3rd line. Think Sprong can spring for a few goals, showcase his offensive talents playing near the bottom on the lineup in Pittsburgh’s system?
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