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Matt Vensel's Penguins chat: 02.24.20
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Buskas #7
12:43
Matt - Aren't you glad we don't get to complain about Olli Maata? It's  still one of the best days in recent Penguins history when we shipped him to Chicago for Kahun and a pick!
Matt Vensel
12:43
Poor, Olli. Just minding his own business and gets dragged again.
burt reynolds
12:43
Which player gets more undeserved ire from fans? Murray, Johnson, or Simon? Any who don't get enough?
Matt Vensel
12:44
Definitely Murray given his contributions to a pair of Cup winners. That doesn't mean you have to love him. And that doesn't mean you can't like Fleury more. But Murray gets treated like a total slappy when he is at worst, like, the 12th best goalie in the NHL.
12:47
Apparently, Andrew Agozzino has been claimed off waivers by Anaheim. So he won't be finishing the season in WBS.
Jimmie
12:47
What accounts for Jack Johnson's amazing turn around this season?
Matt Vensel
12:48
Jimmie, I don't know that I'd call it an amazing turnaround. But he has been better, especially outside of a top-pairing role. He's talked about losing a little bulk in the offseason helping him move around a little bit better. I'm sure just more comfort in the system, the city, etc. is also a factor.
Locante
12:48
What sandwich did you order? Also how do you think the pens will overcome their slump and division rivals? Metro teams are looking better and better as the playoff race heats up.
Matt Vensel
12:49
You know, I'm going to sound like a bad Pittsburgher but whatever. I usually get a fish sandwich with no slaw because I love a good fish sandwich. But today I'm feeling frisky and decided to go with the sirloin steak and cheese with slaw. I'll let you know how it goes.
rcc prof
12:51
I have 2 questions: 1. If the defensive corp is depleted as everyone recognizes, why did JR go after a 40 year old forward instead of a blue liner? 2. Why haven't the Pens just put Bjustad on IR and use his salary to get another blue liner? And please don't tell me he's coming back. Christmas may arrive before he's ready to play.
Matt Vensel
12:51
I feel like these are rhetorical questions so I'll just move on.
Rory
12:51
With the Marleau signing, assuming all forwards are healthy with the exception of Guentz, how do you see the lines shaking up...
Matt Vensel
12:53
It's really hard to say at this point. But here's a blind guess:

Zucker-Crosby-Simon
Kahun-Geno-Rust
Marleau-McCann-Hornqvist
ZAR-Blueger-Tanev

But that leaves out Bjugtad, who is the wild card right now. It's fair to have low expectations for Bjugstad given his long layoff. But he could also end up playing a big role for this team in April.
Ln
12:54
Wow if Guerin can unload Parise tip of cap to him !
Steeler Fan Dan
12:54
Why can't broadcasters pick one, ZOO-KER or ZUCK-ER?
Matt Vensel
12:54
It's apparently ZOO-KER but I keep saying ZUCK-ER. But in my defense, I mispronounce every name. I'm not playing favorites.
12:55
The sandwich has arrived so this chat could get messy. Keep sending your questions over, though. I'll tackle the first half of this sandwich then resume chatting. I've got another 15 minutes or so before I have to wander over to my gate.
Ireland4517
12:57
Airport fish sandwhich before a cross-country flight!?!?  You like to live dangerously!  Assuming all things stay equal in the goal tending department do you think there a strategic advantage to starting with Jarry and if that fails after a game or two you can fall back on the "proven commodity"?
Matt Vensel
12:57
You can't spot any opponent a couple of games. So the Penguins have to decide which guy gives them the best chance to win and if that guy struggles they will switch. I don't see them yo-yoing goalies in the playoffs unless they absolutely have to.
Locante
12:58
Who do you think will give the Pens the most trouble in the first round? Any team that the Pens should try to avoid?
Matt Vensel
12:58
I don't know that there's any team they should actively try to avoid. They're going to be getting a good team one way or another. The Metro is the best division in the league this season.
sarah
12:59
Hi Matt - busy TDL so far today, you may have answered this already, but what is the most realistic best case scenario for Dumo and Marino?  Do you think there's a chance one or both could play on the current road trip?
Matt Vensel
1:01
Hey, Sarah. Just reading tea leaves, I would be surprised if either guy plays on the trip. But practicing? We'll see. Practicing, obviously, would mean they aren't too, too far off. With Dumo, I'm guessing the Pens and he will both want him to get in multiple practices in a team setting before he returns, just given his long layoff. As for Marino, they'll want to play it safe with him. The good news is that he should be the same guy when he returns, unless there is a fear factor after getting drilled in the face. He seems like a pretty unflappable kid but you never know.
1:06
Any more questions before we call it a day?
BTW, Mike DeFabo is all over the trade deadline for us today. Meanwhile, I'm eating sandwiches and doing crosswords on airplanes. Stick tap to Mike for doing the heavy lifting.
Locante
1:11
Not a question, but I wanted to say thank you for taking the time to chat on what is surely a busy day! It's great to interact with a local sports writer.
Matt Vensel
1:12
Alright, that looks like it's it for today's chat. Thanks for joining me today. Enjoy deadline day and we'll do this again soon.
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