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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 9.6.18
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Jason Mackey
1:50
I don't think Phil is a jerk. In fact, I know he's not a jerk. But I don't think he likes the media drill, and my guess is because it is awkward. ... I'm socially awkward, too. I get it. I don't know if that's exactly what bothers Phil, but it would bother me. Bunch of people, lights and noise. Just ... a pain. I'd like to see him talk maybe once a week or once every two, which the Penguins do try very hard to get him to do.
MaySee Gray
1:50
Fair enough.  But it was nuts right?
Jason Mackey
1:51
A little, yes.
Steven
1:51
My apologies, I was referring to the article you tweeted today about the young guys the Penguins would look at in camp. The sample size of the playoffs isn't great, I agree, but in the regular season among forwards with 10 or more games played (16 total), Simon had the 4th best relCF%, 6th best relSCF%, 7th in relHDCF% and was sub 50% on OZS (only the 6 revolving cast members of the 4th line had less OZS% than him). He was also 7th in p/60 and goals/60. He's not amazing, or the next Jake Guentzel or anything like that, but he's a very solid player.
Jason Mackey
1:52
I get what you're saying here, too. I think there are some numbers that paint Simon in a favorable light. I just think at this point Hornqvist is a better option, maybe Rust, too. And I could see playing Sprong there because he won't play with Malkin, might not click with Brassard and shouldn't play fourth-line minutes. I also think Simon needs to be more consistent before he sticks in the top-six.
Monday Morning QB
1:52
Ever get to see a game at the Aud on previous trips to Buffalo?
Jason Mackey
1:52
Unfortunately not.
Mark
1:52
Jason, has there been any talk of when PPG Paints Arena will host it's first all star game?
Jason Mackey
1:53
Sadly, no. The Penguins have gotten other events -- draft, some World Cup exhibitions, outdoor games, etc. Thus, it has sorta back-burnered them on All-Star Games.
guest
1:53
I am really rooting for Jack Johnson to do well .  It seems like he was in a terrible personal situation and given how excited he seems to be here you can't help but root for him to have a good season.
Jason Mackey
1:54
As a reporter, I don't "root." But I can understand why fans would feel that way. From a hockey standpoint, if Matt Hunwick was making $2.25 million, I think $3.25 million for Johnson is reasonable. It's the five years that makes people mad. Fair. But Rutherford has shown an ability to get out from under deals before.
Alex
1:54
Over/under on Pens standings points this season? What team will make the playoffs that didn’t last year?
Jason Mackey
1:55
I think the Blackhawks get back in. I also like Florida's chances. ... I'll go with 97. (Take the over)
guest
1:55
Saw Dumo got married and Hagelin had a baby this off season.  Anyone else have any exciting personal milestones this summer?
Jason Mackey
1:55
Sheary got married ... oh wait, sorry. ... The Letangs had their baby, no? I think that's pretty much it.
CharlesBuck
1:56
Hornqvist, Hagelin, Maatta.  3 players whose absence in a game is surprisingly noticeable.  If Sprong can't get there this year are there any other Scandinavian players the Penguins are very excited about?
Jason Mackey
1:56
Haha. Good one. ... They like Linus Olund, but I think he's a couple years away.
Matt in Cleveland
1:56
I know Sid toured Europe, but any other good 'summer vacation' stories?
Jason Mackey
2:01
Not so far. We only had one real availability. The other was three guys, and none of them took vacations. Will probably learn more next week.
Steven
2:01
Do you think this team is the best on paper the Penguins have had for the last few years? There needs to be some growth and rebound from certain players, but purely on paper, would you agree?
Jason Mackey
2:01
Honestly, no. I think this group has more questions. Best on paper, I'd say, is 2016-17, trying to repeat; they basically lost nobody. But this group is very much capable of winning a Cup.
GPT
2:01
Maybe the Pens are banking on a lockout in a couple of years and figure there will be some kind of 'get out of jail free' provision for a contract like Johnson's.
Jason Mackey
2:02
Yep, you're getting warm. Basically they're not worried about the length of contract because stuff happens, and most of all, they really think this is going to work out. I think it's best we allow him to play games before saying it will or won't.
Dick Tarnstrom
2:02
When do you think the NHL, particularly the GMs and owners, finally crack down on shot to the head and such?  And I am not talking about the silly slaps on the wrist they hand out now as a punishment.  I'm talking real reform.
Jason Mackey
2:07
I know what you mean, and sadly, I don't see it happening anytime soon. Needs to be a greater emphasis on taking headshots out of the game entirely. Simply not where the league is at at the moment.
Dick Tarnstrom
2:07
How does the Murray injury situation play out if he's constantly injured this season?  Do they hand the keys over to Jarry?
Jason Mackey
2:08
If he's injured for a stretch of time, yeah, I think they would give Jarry a chance. He'd be fine playing a run of games, maybe better than DeSmith. Long-term if he can't stay healthy ... that's a tough one. You'd really start to wonder if it was something more than a fluke at that point.
Dick Tarnstrom
2:08
Do you think this is Kessel's last year with the team?  If he comes close to last year's production, they have to move him, right?
Jason Mackey
2:09
Not necessarily. This year would've been great, too, although as I understand it, the interest wasn't great. I don't think the Penguins would be against it for a terrific offer, but it seems they're a long way from getting one of those.
Dick Tarnstrom
2:09
Folow up - Kessel question - Jake is due for a raise and he's gonna get $6 mil a year with some of the "comparable" young players who he has clearly outplayed
Jason Mackey
2:09
Correct. But they also have Hagelin and Brassard coming off the books this year, Schultz near year. They can swing it all financially.
2:10
OK, folks. That does it. Thanks so much for participating. Next time we do this the Penguins will be ONE DAY away from the first practice of the season. Crazy.
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