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Mike DeFabo's Penguins chat: 04.15.22
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Mike DeFabo
10:53
This question highlights the parity in the Eastern Conference. Talk about pick your poison. I know the Panthers have question in net with Bobrovsky constantly underperforming. But they have the second-best record in the NHL for a reason and are by-far the NHL's highest-scoring team. They're big, fast and physical. Given the Penguins lack of depth scoring this year, that would be a short series. That's the opponent I'd least want to see
10:55
I can talk myself into either of the other two matchups. Let's be optimistic for a second. We know what went wrong vs. the Rangers. So let's look at how things could be different. The Rangers have not been good defensively for a huge part of the season. In a seven-game series, they're bound to revert to old ways for at a couple games. Igor Shesterkin also hasn't been as good recently. I found it hilarious that he normally speaks through an interpreter. But when he was asked about his play, he immediately said in English that he didn't want to talk about it.
Rebecca W
10:56
What's been the most surprisingly/least expected part of covering the Penguins this year? And what was something you missed from ~the Penguins experience~ during the pandemic season(s)?
Mike DeFabo
10:56
Tristan Jarry might be the biggest surprise. I figured he'd be better after his postseason meltdown. I did not have him penciled in as an All-Star
10:57
I just miss going into the dressing room to find stories. During normal times, we can develop a friendly relationship with players. One question leads to another, which leads to another, which leads to a 2,000 story that tells fans something new about their favorite players. For me, the hunt is the most fun part about being a reporter. We can't do that when we get one question each in a press conference
Chief Powhatan
10:58
Can Zucker get through the rest of the season without getting 'dinged up'?
Mike DeFabo
11:00
The thing with Zucker is it's been the same injury all along. He needed core muscle surgery dating all the way back to December or maybe even before that. But he toughed it out because of the team's injury/ covid situation. Then, I think he was so excited to play in Minnesota, he may have hurried back a bit soon. He's a tough guy who will fight for his teammates. I'd imagine he will play through just about anything in the playoffs
Anthony
11:00
What time are the penguins coming in to boston today?
Mike DeFabo
11:01
They'll leave after the noon practice. I'm about to hop on a plane now if you want to give me a quick ride from the airport
Scorekeeper
11:01
With the Penguins securing another post-season birth, and arguably the best sports franchise out of the three sports teams here in Pittsburgh for the last 20 years, it is frustrating to see the lack of respect by the Pittsburgh media in regards to coverage. 12 months a year the Steelers are always the first topic, either on the sports talk show or in media print. Do you ever sense any frustration from the Penguin players, coaches, or front office personnel as to why they are always second fiddle to the Steelers, despite having more success?
Mike DeFabo
11:02
I'm not sure the players care too much. They live in their own world and are concerned with winning games. I wouldn't mind a few more early-season readers like I'm sure most of you are.
Nick for Turtle Creek
11:02
I liked Ruhwedel as a 7th Dman, but think he is a liability for the playoffs as far as size and toughness go while lacking the skill to overcome that like the other dmen. What say you?
Mike DeFabo
11:03
I think Ruhwedel is probably best suited for that No. 7 spot. But.. he's been more than solid this year. What I like about his game is that he knows what he is. He's a solid, steady guy and doesn't try to do too much. He's taking less to stay in Pittsburgh and is willing to put the team above himself. I give him credit.
Buster
11:03
Is the Pens making the playoffs 16 straight years about the same as the Steelers not having a losing season under Mike Tomlin? It really doesn’t mean much unless you win postseason games.
Mike DeFabo
11:06
A fourth consecutive round flameout would be a disappointment. There's no doubt about that. Same as the Steelers failing to win a playoff game in five years and winning just three playoff games in a decade should be part of Ben's legacy
Mike C
11:07
Geno’s suspension: A blessing in disguise. Hear me out. He was not playing too well at all several games prior, and he’s known to make stupid decisions especially with penalties, case and point, this suspension. We cannot afford any of these instances in the playoffs, so maybe these 4 games off will give him time to regroup, watch from the press box, and hopefully be more conscientious with getting easily agitated moving forward
Mike DeFabo
11:07
I love the optimism. I do think this could serve as a lesson.
Sam
11:08
I read an Yahoo Sports Canada piece today ranking the upcoming free agents.  They had the Penguins with 3 of the top 9 with Malkin, Letang and Rust, and basically implied that it was likely all three would be gone.  Who, if anyone, do you think they can keep and how would you rank these three.  For me, it's Letang, Rust, and way down the list Malkin.  But I fear that Geno might be the only one they actually do keep.  Even with a pay cut, I think he's ultimately become a net negative when the chips are on the table.  Too many turnovers and penalties, too little production on anything except the power play.  Thoughts?
Mike DeFabo
11:09
To me, if you sign Malkin it has to be a short-term deal. Like 2-3 years. I don't think his game will age gracefully and he's already had several significant knee injuries. If you get him on the payroll at the right price, he's definitely going to help the roster. But too much money or too much term is not the answer
Chief Powhatan
11:09
Are the press row seats at PPG Paints Arena the same for every home game? Would they sit a P-G guy next to a Trib guy?
Mike DeFabo
11:10
I sit right next to MC from Pens Inside Scoop. She's a gem. But it's kind of funny, I see the writers from the other outlets every day, twice a day. I never see my boss. There's a slight healthy competition there. But mostly, there's camaraderie. I consider the writers from other outlets some of my better friends in Pittsburgh
11:12
Okay, time for me to hop on my flight to Boston. I'm curious to see if those late-game antics from Marchand carry over in any way. Will the Penguins respond? Will Marchand incite something else? Should be two fun and very important games. Everyone have a great weekend. Happy Easter to all those who celebrate.
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