You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 9.21.17
powered byJotCast
View Full Chat Next Page
caopall
12:48
Pittsburgh’s schedule for October and November looks challenging. In those first two months they will play multiple games against some pretty decent teams (Washington, Chicago, Nashville, Tampa Bay, Edmonton), play six sets of back-to-backs (one set against Capitals and Predators), and make a trip out to the West Coast. Nothing unusual, just luck of the scheduling draw, or the NHL’s way of slowing down the repeating champs at the start of the season?
Jason Mackey
12:49
I think it's just the luck -- or lack of it -- of the scheduling draw. I'm not giving the NHL credit for having enough sense to create parity by doing something as is. Or for assigning the Penguins a league-high 19 back-to-backs. But you're right. It's not an easy start by any stretch.
caopall
12:49
Do you think the NHL will stay with it and continue to try and eliminate, or at the least, radically reduce illegal stick checks, especially slashing, or will it be business as usual once the regular season begins?
Jason Mackey
12:51
I think somewhere in the middle. These rule pushes always taper off over time, but I do think the NHL is serious about the stick checks. Believe me, I'm in favor of both of the rule changes, but I think it's a little nuts right now. If this product exists during the regular season, people won't watch. Simple as that. Once they see TV ratings go in the toilet ... yeah, it'll change. But I'm willing to bet it doesn't get to that point. They're just trying to make the point while the games don't matter.
guest
12:51
did they offer Daley the deal they gave Hunwick?  sounded like Daley wanted to be here based on today's article so would think he would have taken that.
Jason Mackey
12:51
I don't think they did. I think Daley would've stayed here for that. I've heard nothing to indicate the Penguins took a serious run at signing Daley. Perhaps because they knew what he had from Detroit ... and knew they'd be unwilling to match it.
guest
12:51
with all the great prospects the Penguins seem to have, why did Wilkes Barre fare so badly in their playoffs last year?
Jason Mackey
12:52
I saw none of the games since I was covering the big club, so I would be making it up if I even wagered a guess. But even in the NHL playoffs, an accumulation of talent doesn't always translate into wins. By that metric, Washington or Chicago should have done more, right?
guest
12:52
any update on Kunackle?  Would be a shame to get hurt in meaningless exhibition game especially when he is fighting for playing time and perhaps a roster spot.
Jason Mackey
12:53
He returned to the game after blocking the shot. Not sure it was on his foot or a ... sensitive area. Saw only one replay angle, and it wasn't good. Also, Kuhnhackl wasn't available after. But he finished the game and is believed to be fine.
Joe
12:53
Jason, I know you have sources telling you sheahan for Pouiliot is basically a done deal if AA signs in Detroit, but do the Pens really not have any other "better" options to trade for for 3C?  Or do they like Sheahan that much?  I don't see him as much better offensively than their in-house candidates.
Jason Mackey
12:55
I would argue that Sheahan is better than Blueger, McClement, Johnson and ... whoever else you'd put there. Write last year off. There were a lot of things going on there. I do think Sheahan could fit. He's not far removed from being considered an effective young player. Almost consider the defense pairings and opposing forward lines he'll see with teams loading up to stop Crosby and Malkin; it's different in Pittsburgh. Plus, he'll get to play with some combination of Hagelin, Rust, Hornqvist and Wilson. That's not bad.
HB
12:55
Would it be possible for a line of guentzal-Crosby-sprong to exist before the end of preseason.
Jason Mackey
12:55
I don't think you're stretching there. I think the next test for Sprong will be playing him with good people -- I.e. Sid or Geno. Sullivan wants to see what he has with Phil there, but yeah, trying Sprong with Sid would be natural. They share an agent and have something of a relationship.
Brentwood Bob
12:56
I feel one of the biggest needs in finding a Bonino/Cullen replacement is faceoff % (especially in the defensive zone), and I don't see that at all with who they have now or the rumored Riley Sheahan trade rumblings.  Wouldn't you rather wait and approach the 3rd line center hole closer to the deadline when more teams are willing to sell off assets for cheaper than they are now?  #IBAMagic2002
Jason Mackey
12:57
#IBAMagic2002 ... love it! I'm fine getting Sheahan now, honestly. I think he's at like 51.6 percent the last three years. That works. And his cap hit is $2 million and some change, an RFA after the season. If he stinks, you let him walk. I don't get the sense the market is very good right now, and it's not ideal to have Rowney at 3C and ... who knows who at 4C because I don't think McClement has a realistic shot at making this team.
Joe
12:57
I'm liking Bengtssen a lot from what I've seen so far.  Is he a candidate to play in the top 6?  He would be good with any of left-handed defensemen and preferable to Hunwick in my opinion.  Maybe frees Hunwick to be traded back to TOR for Bozak perhaps??? Or to be the 7th defenseman....
Jason Mackey
12:58
Hey Joe, I think Bengtsson will be a good defenseman for the Penguins as early as next year, but I think the best thing for him -- and what the organization would like to do -- is have him develop for another season. There's some refinement needed. An easier plan would be juicing some games out of Tinordi, Summers or Trotman if injuries pile up.
HB
12:58
Has anyone ever told you that you look like Orlando Bloom.
Jason Mackey
12:59
Nope. Haven't heard that one. I also don't see it.
Joe
12:59
Do you think there are in-house candidates for 3C and of McKegg, Blueger, Johnson, and McClement, who does the team like better and who's more likely to make the NHL to start the season?
Jason Mackey
1:00
Your in-house candidates would be McKegg, Blueger, Johnson and Rowney. McClement is strictly a fourth-line guy, and honestly I don't think he'll be there. Di Pauli, Aston-Reese and Dea are all effectively wingers. Do I think any of those guys will be your 3C on opening night? No, I don't. I still think it's Sheahan or another trade.
HB
1:00
I'm confused why be NHL needs to crack down on faceoffs has Logan cortures 2 years of complaining on have Crosby "cheats" finally been answered.
Jason Mackey
1:00
Well-played, HB.
Guest
1:00
Do you think it is likely the Penguins won't make a trade at all for a third line center, but rather rely on an internal option?
Jason Mackey
1:01
No, I don't think that's how this will played out. I think they'll make a trade, and I think it will be Riley Sheahan. Just have to get the Wings to sort out Andreas Athanasiou.
Guest
1:01
What kind of season do you think Olli Maatta will have this year?
Jason Mackey
1:02
Glad you asked that. Olli has looked really good. I know he's taken his fair share of abuse on social media, and I think the kid is going to turn some heads this year. I think this will be the one where he finally backs up what he did as a rookie. Skating's there. He's always been smart. Maatta seems more chill and confident this year. Those are good things for him to be.
Birdie
1:02
I don't think fans support the business side of hockey,football, or baseball. I think they support teams cause of players. If Crosby were traded for ovi an Malkin for toews, would pens fans still support team?  Too many trades ruining the sport. What's your say?
Jason Mackey
1:03
I think that those trades have zero chance of happening, so I'm not sure why we're entertaining the fan base backing them. That's like entertaining the idea of what it would be like to live underwater or something. It's too far-fetched to even discuss, in my opinion.
guest
1:03
I know Crosby is the ultimate pro and teammate, but he is also human, do you think there will any lingering effects of him loosing his best friends from the team?   He almost seemed "sad" in the one article he talked about it.
Jason Mackey
1:04
None. Zero. Zilch. Nada. That's part of being the consummate pro. Yes, Crosby was bummed he lost his buddies, and he probably came off as sad because he probably was and is. What's wrong with that? If all of your friends went and worked elsewhere and there was nothing you could do about it, you would feel a certain way to. The difference with Crosby, though, is he channels it by getting to know the new guys and young guys, making them feel welcome and doing whatever he can to lead the Penguins. It's a remarkable example of his leadership.
Lukas
1:05
Have any new in-house favorites for 3C after seeing training camp and some preseason?
Jason Mackey
1:05
There's the same lot I've been typing -- McKegg, Blueger, Johnson and Rowney -- but I don't think any of them will be your center on opening night for the reasons already stated.
JoJo
1:05
Yo what it do J-Dogg? Who are the 3 centers GMJR is targeting, best guess?
Jason Mackey
1:06
I don't buy the three-target thing. For me, that was a ploy to try to get Detroit thinking that its dance partner was looking at something else.
guest
1:06
Do you think that if Sid gets another concussion this year that he would retire end of year, before his brain is scrambled.
Jason Mackey
1:07
I'll levy opinions on a lot of things. Concussions aren't one of them. It's too tough to tell, too unpredictable. How serious is the concussion? What about its side-effects? Impossible to say. All I can type is this: If it is serious, I do hope -- and think -- that Crosby will prioritize his long-term health among all else. It's all anybody deserves, to be healthy and happy, right?
Matt
1:07
What prospects/AHLers do you think have the best shot to remain on the pens roster when we open up against the blues?
Jason Mackey
1:10
You know, not many, honestly. Say they trade for Sheahan. My lineup would be: 59-87-43 // 17-71-81 // 62-Sheahan-72 // 23-37-75 ... 8-58 // 3-22 // 28-4. Kuhnhackl an extra F, Ruhwedel an extra D. Maybe one more? I think Pouliot goes in the Sheahan deal. I'd probably keep Archibald around for his PK abilities and skating. Not a ton of opportunity on this team. I think Aston-Reese starts in the minors. Sprong TBD at this point.
Connecting…