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Jason Mackey's Penguins chat: 9.20.18
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Jason Mackey
12:25
Hi folks. Welcome to my Thursday afternoon chat. Glad you're hanging out. Feel free to ask your questions now. I'll be back at 1 p.m. to answer them. -- Thanks, Management.
Guest
12:57
Will we see Rasmus Dahlin in the NHL for Buffalo this season or will he be a few years out? thanks
Jason Mackey
12:58
Dahlin will be in Buffalo this season. No question whatsoever there. From everything I've read and see, he should play an extremely impactful role, too. Young man appears very comfortable, poised, all of that. Totally phenom.
tetris
12:58
Any changes made prior to this season on the Pens coaching staff?
Jason Mackey
12:59
None to the NHL staff. Some tweaks in the AHL (Jarrod Skalde) and player development, adding Andy Chiodo and Tom Kostopoulos. But the NHL staff is the same.
Josh
12:59
Hey Jason! Sure this question will be asked 342343 times, but what do you think of Sprong's relatively pedestrian showing in preseason action so far? Cause for concern, or simply the Penguins best player and therefore priority target for opposing D?
Jason Mackey
1:00
I'm not too concerned, but it's not nothin', if that makes sense. Do I think Sprong is better than he's shown? Absolutely. But he's the type of guy who needs to play with skilled players. Not going to do everything himself. Thus far, he hasn't gotten that. I think it's tough to evaluate anything if Sprong isn't playing with Sid or Brassard. So, I get it's been rough. He definitely needs to be better. I just don't know how much of the real Sprong we're seeing.
Guest
1:00
Thoughts on who's stood out so far and who won't make the cut?
Jason Mackey
1:02
Several have stood out so far, honestly. And the Penguins just cut 11 guys. ... If you're looking for a few off-the-board impressions, I've liked Ryan Haggerty's game. Some nice scoring touch, a pleasant surprise. I like Calen Addison's confidence with the puck. Thomas Di Pauli looks like someone who could come up and win a job. ... NHL-wise, really impressed with Jack Johnson. His skating, vision, comfortability, a lot of good stuff there. I could go on and on.
ralph
1:02
Remember Jordan Stahl and his brother? Are they still in the league and how has Jordan done since leaving PGH? I only follow the pens not the rest of the NHL    thank you
Jason Mackey
1:02
Yes, Ralph, they are. Jordan is in Carolina, and Eric is in Minnesota.
MA
1:02
Really liked what I saw from Grant last night. What are the chances he has a regular role on the fourth line?
Jason Mackey
1:03
I think pretty good. I'm with you. Huge upgrade over Rowney and Kuhnhackl. Can do a lot of different things. If it's him, Cullen and Sheahan? That's a pretty darn good third line. And that's probably discounting ZAR at that point, and I'm not sure that's smart. However it shakes out, I have a tough time sending that guy to the press box at this point.
Guest
1:03
When do you think we will get to see our "star" players join in on the pre-season fun. We've had some pretty unfortunate match ups the past 2 games.
Jason Mackey
1:04
I would look for some names to play this weekend. Veterans generally don't travel much in the preseason, and the Penguins do want to reward the home fans. These two games should be much more watchable.
Moe
1:04
How many articles do you have to write in a week?  Are you given a quota?  Sometimes it's like you are a machine popping out articles.  How much time do you spend on one article?
Jason Mackey
1:06
Hey, Moe. No quota. Just whatever it needs. If there's a lot of news -- like the day Geno and Phil both talked for the first time -- then I write a lot. If not, I don't force it. Generally my bosses want at least a story and a notebook between Matt and I. But again, if there's only one thing, they're not going to complain. Same as if I say I wanna write four things. It just depends on the day. And time for an article ... some take 20 minutes, some take weeks. It just depends on the length, subject matter, depth ... a lot of things. But I don't mind cranking things out, believe me. I'm lucky as heck to get to do what I do, and I legit enjoy the job in all aspects.
Moe
1:06
Starkey and Mueller on The Fan are no longer together.  Say it ain't so! What will you do now?  Split time between the two new shows?  I miss Starkey and Muller.
Jason Mackey
1:07
I don't know. I'd like to find out, to be honest. Loved being on with those guys and would like to continue doing stuff, wherever I'm asked. However, Cook and Poni refused to have me on -- I don't know why -- and so I don't know where I stand with either the 10 a.m.-2 p.m. show on the Fan or 2-6 p.m.
Dead-Pens
1:07
Jason, since last week myself and a few of the other folks i know who are both fans of the Pens and the Grateful Dead have been corresponding via email and we're really troubled about this Phil Lesh - horse story.   As responsible citizens can we still listen to and support the Dead? We decided to ask you because you seem to have a strong moral compass and a strong love for Dead music. Thanks for your consideration, Jason.
Jason Mackey
1:08
Not my business to tell anyone what to do.
Derrick
1:09
Are you aware of any players on the team that are arguably too soft in terms of muscle and strength? Maybe some where the coaches have stated that this guy needs to put on some lbs but hasn't? When I look at some of the D-men in particular (with the exception of Oleksiak and Johnson), I don't see any bulk...Schultz and Letang come to mind and they seem to be the most injury prone. Any thoughts on that?
Jason Mackey
1:10
I'm not about to question how much Kris Letang works out. That would be beyond dumb. His consistency, ability to stay healthy, some decision-making ... all fair. But the dude works out like a crazy person. He's one of the most well put together players in the league. ... There are guys -- Anthony Angello stands out as one -- who needs to fill out their frames, but that's about it. I wouldn't say the Penguins have guys who like refuse to work out or bulk up or anything like that. And it's not football; getting jacked isn't always the best method.
Guest
1:10
Can you go out on a limb and name a dark horse contender to make the playoffs this year in the NHL?
Jason Mackey
1:11
I think Buffalo will flirt with it, but I could easily see Florida grabbing that fourth spot in the Atlantic. I like what they're doing a lot.
MalkintheBeast
1:11
Hello Jason, good to read you for another exciting Pens season. The best coverage of the team.
First of all, I was wondering if Pittsburgh had an invasion-attack of penguins from your local zoo, so this is why you've named the team like that? ^_~
Second, how is my beasty, Malkin. Anything suggesting his knee impedes his game? Is he still that skillful and fast in the training camp?
Jason Mackey
1:12
Thank you for the kind words. Have no idea what you're talking about on the first one. ... Second ... Malkin has looked terrific. No issue with the knee. Said he skated a ton this summer and feels "1,000 percent." I'd look for big things out of Malkin this year ... even more so than usual.
PENS
1:12
When you are jamming out to the Dead and have pulled up a choice nug or a great full length concert nug, what brand out headphones do you use? I swear by BEATS BY DRE, but some of my friends say Sony has the best headsets for jam bands because of how they tune their twig wires. Apparently it allows the string vibes to come through more clearly, for guitar solos and stuff. BEATS BY DRE on the other hand are better for drum work and vocals. Anyway, from one DeadHead to another just wondering how you prefer to jam out to the dead. thanks you.
Jason Mackey
1:12
I stick with my Bose noise-canceling headphones. I like them.
LV
1:12
When does the Seattle franchise start?       Also, was the format for the expansion draft for Las Vegas much more generous than what previous expansion teams got, which in part led to the Stanley Cup last year...them winning?
Jason Mackey
1:13
I think it had something to do with them winning but certainly not anything. Believe Seattle will be two years from now. ... But as far as the format, everyone said Vegas was gonna be the worst team in the league after the draft, right? I think you just had a bunch of guys, united by a common cause, playing for something together, and they seemed to really mesh.
guest chat
1:13
Were any of the areas around where the Hurricanes play in Carolina damaged by the hurricane and what is the best way to offer assistance to those impacted by the recent storms?
Jason Mackey
1:14
I honestly have no idea. Not that I've seen anyway -- as far damage to Hurricanes stuff -- but I would read the News & Observer. Surely they have ways there or links to the local Red Cross.
Dan
1:14
Hey Jason after watching theses last 2 exhibition games it’s pretty evident the Pens paid a steep price for their Cups...don’t get me wrong I’ll take it but the prospect cupboard is really bare ! I wouldn’t expect much in the pipeline with the exception of the Goaltenders for a little while....thoughts
Jason Mackey
1:15
Yeah, the pipeline is a little rough right now, for sure. That's sort of by design, though. You can't have it both ways. But keep in mind that the Penguins' kids were playing NHL-heavy lineups. That happens in the preseason. They're going to lose. But it doesn't mean they're crappy players. It just means they're overmatched.
Joe
1:15
Through two preseason games give me your analysis of Daniel Sprong’s play?
Jason Mackey
1:16
He's been just OK, in my opinion. Not shooting enough. Needs to be selfish with that, and he's not doing it right now. Not great handling the puck in his own end. I've liked his skating. Stupid penalty in Buffalo, but I can live with it. I think he needs to be playing with better players before we really make any sort of judgements on his game.
HB
1:16
I thought Addison looked good last night and even though I knew he be eventually sent to juniors wish I could of saw a couple more games.
Jason Mackey
1:17
Hear ya. I think Addison is terrific with the puck on his stick. But I've watched him play four games now -- not that that makes me an expert -- but every single one of them has featured him doing a pretty good amount of puck-watching. He needs significant work on the defensive end, and for that, I think it's probably best for him to get on his way.
Guest
1:17
Do players ever have to re-sharpen their skates during games or between periods?
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