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Matt Vensel's Penguins chat: 11.07.19
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Matt Vensel
2:01
I'll lump these two together. Winning a Cup is really hard. Good teams can get knocked out in the second round. But I am getting good vibes with this team. They're deeper up front, which is huge. They were too often a one-line team last year. I like their defensive pairings. Are they collectively great? No, but I think you can win with them. The goaltending has been solid but I'd like to see a little more from Matt Murray, as would GMJR. And when it comes to the style of play and team chemistry, you can feel the excitement. Last year, this team just felt stale, not that you can blame any one guy.
Guest
2:01
The second period against the Bruins was some of the most exciting hockey I can remember .  What was the reaction in the arena like ?
Matt Vensel
2:02
The place was electric. It was a fun, fun game. The paying customers obviously weren't pleased after Marino scored that goal.
2:03
Last call for questions! My stomach is rumbling and I need to get started on my weekly From the Point newsletter. Subscribe!
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Harley Smoot
2:03
Is Riikola capable of being a top 6 defenseman for the Penguins, if not now maybe next season?  For example, if Jack Johnson were traded at some point, could Riikola fill that spot?
Matt Vensel
2:05
On the first part, that remains to be seen. The tools are there but Riikola to this point hasn't been able to put it together and play many consistent games thus far. Playing sparingly can't help. As for the second part, you'd still need to find a taker for Jack's contract. But, it's a moot point right now as I don't think Jack is in danger of getting traded in the near future. Will that change before the deadline?
Eddie Shack
2:05
to me the biggest issue with the power play continues to be overpassing and then when a shot is taken it's wide of net and clears the zone.....how about looking at what many lesser teams do and are successful....get the puck on net and crash....not pretty but a goals a goal
Matt Vensel
2:06
I don't see it the same way. Have they forced some passes? Yeah, it's going to happen. But they've been pretty downhill and have put a lot of pucks on net. They simply aren't scoring right now. That's going to change and I believe they'll break out in a big way when it does. I'll be stunned if it's not a top-10 power play at season's end.
Harley Smoot
2:06
Do the Penguins see Marino as the replacement on the second defensive line if Schultz leaves after this season?  If so, they would only need to find a right-handed defenseman for the third line.
Matt Vensel
2:06
That's quite possible. Calen Addison could be ready then, too.
Dub
2:08
I have been checking in on WBS here and there and have realized that PO Joseph has been out quite some time. Is he injured?
Matt Vensel
2:09
Just looked that up and apparently he has mono. Last played Oct. 19.
Kris
2:09
Who do you think is most likely to be ready by next season: Poulin, Legare, Addison or Joseph? Thanks!
Matt Vensel
2:10
Of those four? Poulin or Addison, I guess.
In search of 6
2:10
Matt, the best player not named Crosby on the team right now is?
Matt Vensel
2:11
Jake Guentzel and Kris Letang have been pretty good. Those are big names but worthy candidates. I liked what Geno did in Boston.
OK, folks, that's it for today. I'm going to go grab a bite to eat.
2:12
Enjoy the game tonight, read my coverage in the morning, subscribe to our newsletter (link above) and we'll do this again soon!
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