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Matt Vensel's Penguins chat: 10.03.19
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Guest
12:35
Do you think there is anything to the on ice interactions we have seen the past few practices between Erik G and Horny/Geno? Seemed a little extra passionate
Matt Vensel
12:36
I don't think so. They're probably just tired of practicing against each other and are ready to play another team. The other day, Hornqvist got irritated with Gudbranson and slashed his stick out of his hand. But he appeared to quickly apologize and flip Gudbranson his stick. Gudbranson kind of shrugged. That's just Hornqvist. He's a good guy and teammates love him. But he's got no off switch on the ice.
JD
12:37
Can Casey be recalled from WB without clearing waivers? Also if recalled can he be sent back down without clearing again?
Matt Vensel
12:37
Yes, for a little while. My new partner, Mike DeFabo, wrote a little about that the other day: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2019/10/01/pittsburgh-pen...
Guest
12:38
Hi matt.  So excited to get the season started .  Pens not getting much love nationally .  I know it is just starting but do you see a difference in the team this year to have a better year ?
Matt Vensel
12:40
Everyone has been talking about there being a new energy around the facility. But what else are they going to say? I don't think we're going to know about the hunger and chemistry questions anytime soon. As Sid acknowledged during camp, that's going to take time. But they are younger, probably a little faster and, they hope, deeper. Tanev has been really impressive but I can't say that Galchenuk (before he got hurt) or Kahun wowed me at any point. We'll see in real games.
Guest
12:40
Who is your prediction for being the best surprise on the team this year ?
Matt Vensel
12:41
I think Teddy Blueger could score between 15 to 20 goals. Given more opportunities, could Dominik Simon approach 40 points? I think Justin Schultz could come close to matching Kris Letang's production if he gets a decent chunk of time with the top power play.
Ron J
12:41
I can’t understand how Rusty could block a shot with his hand in a exhibition game .
Matt Vensel
12:42
He was in a shooting lane and the shot hit him in the hand. I've seen this criticism a lot. What's Bryan supposed to do? Dive out of the way? I'm sure that wouldn't go over well with his coach, fans, media...
Jaromir Jagr
12:43
What have you noticed in camp the team is doing to make sure they don’t fall into bad habits from last year I:E 2 on 1’s, short handed goals against, bad 3v5 play
Matt Vensel
12:45
I don't know what Mike Sullivan can do on the ice to limit 2-on-1s and shorthanded goals other than reminding guys constantly to play smart. He wants his offensive guys to attack when opportunities to arise and knows it would be foolish to try to play conservatively. So all he can do is harp it on them like he did the other day. He has them practice 2-on-1s for about five minutes or so then pulled them together and basically said, "You know why we just did that? Because you allowed five of them last night, so we better get good at defending them." That was a calm, clever way for make his point.
MaySee Gray
12:45
I have been a Dom Simon proponent for a while but it's mystifying that he hasn't been able to produce consistently or really at all.  How much time do you think he's given before he loses a spot?
Matt Vensel
12:47
He's starting the season on the fourth line, though I don't think he's in jeopardy of getting put on waivers or anything. I'm sure we'll see him back in the top six at some point in the next few weeks. But, yeah, he needs to produce like he did for the Czech team at the world championship this summer.
Malkin_theBeast
12:47
Hello, nice to meet you! I've enjoyed Mackey's chat for 2 years, I'm sure you'll show us same insightful and personal opinion about Pens and hockey! ^_~
So how about my favourite Beast? Geno is he really back to a hart trophy contender... in his last game, I've doubted a bit, hopefully it's only a short let down... Malkin is thinner this year, do you feel his skating has an edge on the ice compared to last year?
Matt Vensel
12:48
I'd be cautiously optimistic. He showed up in better shape and looks motivated right now. And, yes, he has been moving well out there. But we'll see if that is still the case in January and February. Not saying it won't be the case, just that it's a question mark.
burt reynolds
12:49
Are there any current NHL players, other than Marchand with the Bruins, who are not all that polite with the media, like Tom Barrrasso was?
Matt Vensel
12:51
I haven't dealt much with players from other teams. I can speak to the Penguins, though. They've been great. Some are better talkers than others. But everyone has treated me like a human. Yes, even Phil. He didn't talk much and you can tell he's not thrilled about the media (understandable after how he was treated in Toronto) but he still had a sense of humor and was never rude or anything like that.
Charles Grimball
12:51
Who does GMJR go after to ease the loss of Kessel's offensive production?
Matt Vensel
12:53
He added Galchenyuk, Kahun and Tanev. They are betting on better chemistry and more depth to make up for what they have lost by trading Phil. We'll see if it works. If it doesn't, I'm sure Rutherford will start looking to see which moves can be made next.
Andy
12:53
So getting rid of a point per game scorer who never missed a game, keeping the same defense corps, and adding more "push back" is supposed to point to optimism from a team who got swept by the Islanders in the first round?  Outside of Matt Murray having a Vezina type season, I don't see anything better than fighting for a wildcard spot or even missing the playoffs altogether.  What say you?
Matt Vensel
12:55
I think it's fair to wonder if the Penguins have gotten better. On paper, they look deeper up front and a little faster overall, but there are still a bunch of question marks. If Sid keeps playing at an All-NHL level, if Malkin returns to his previous form or is close to it, if Murray finally finds regular season consistently and if Letang and Schultz stay healthy, they are a playoff team for sure. But that's a lot of ifs.
12:56
I wasn't asked to make an official prediction so I'll do it here. While a playoff spot is no guarantee, I think the Penguins will finish second or third in the Metro and if most of the above things break right for them this season, they very well could make the NHL's Final Four.
12:57
They could also be one-and-done again this postseason, too.
12:58
That's why it's going to be fascinating to see what happens with this team. They're running out of chances in the Crosby era to win another Cup. And if they miss the playoffs or get embarrassed in a similar fashion to what happened this past spring, there will probably be far bigger changes than trading Phil Kessel and Olli Maatta.
1:01
But, as the coach might say, let's take it one game at a time. Enjoy the season opener, check out all the great stuff we have on the site now and will after the game tonight, and we'll chat again next week.
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