Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins - Appreciating Jason Zucker, plus answering YOUR mailbag questions!

Episode Date: February 24, 2022

One more off day till the Pittsburgh Penguins are back in action! Hunter starts today's show off with some practice notes, which include more updates on Teddy Blueger. When is he expected back in the lineup? How big of a difference will he make? It then goes into Evgeni Malkin speaking to the media on how he wants Sid to assist on his 500th goal when the time comes. Hunter then speculates when that will happen before going into the mailbag segment. He answers questions on Brock Boeser, which players the Penguins should re-sign, a Kessel/Kapanen swap, and so much more. Finally, Hunter shouts out Jason Zucker and goes into detail about what he means to this lineup when he's healthy. All that, plus much more, on this episode of Locked On Penguins.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.BetOnlineBetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts!Rock AutoAmazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey everyone. So for today's show, we're going to get into some mailback questions that I put out on the Locked on Penguin's Twitter account. We're also going to get into some practice updates. Teddy Bluger is again getting closer. We'll get the latest on him. And also we'll dive a little, I guess a little bit more into the New Jersey Devils, excuse me. And of course, I touch on a couple of other things for the scene as the Penguins get ready to play the Devils on Thursday. It's all coming up right after this drop. You're locked on Penguins. your daily podcast on the Pittsburgh Penguins, part of the Locked-on Podcast Network,

your team every day. Hello, welcome to this Wednesday edition of the Locked-on Penguins podcast. I am your host, Andrew Houdies. You know to follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes. Follow the shows to our L.O. underscore Penguins. And, of course, thank you all so much for making this, excuse me, your first listen of the day.

Today's episode might be on the bit of a shorter side. I know usually my episodes are 25 to 30 minutes. this episode might be around 20 to 22. Obviously, there's still things to talk about with the penguins. I mean, there's never nothing to talk because, you know, this team is never boring. But, you know, with a third consecutive off day, you know, obviously I'll always have stuff for you all. But, you know, I'm just, I'm itching for them to play another game. But as I teased at the beginning, we're going to go into some mailbag questions.

We should take up a good amount of time. We're also going to get into some practice updates right after this. And, of course, a couple other things that I have planned. So Penguins, Zach Aston-Reese was back at practice of the Penguins on Wednesday. He had a maintenance day on Tuesday. Great news. He's back to his normal spot. Teddy Bluger continued to practice non-contact capacity, though I will say if he looks to be fine.

Well, he's looking on track to be fine. Spoke to the media today. Basically said for the first seven to 10 days of his recovery, he was basically just drinking his food out of a straw. And that's honestly, you know, I mean, I've had my fair share of injuries, you know, throughout my life. A broken jaw is probably, I would never want to have something like that. That's probably an injury where no one would want to because, I mean, it affects so much. I mean, at least with, you know, a broken leg, I know that's a lot of pain, but at least you can actually still eat your regular foods.

This poor guy lost weight during the first week or two because he couldn't eat any solid food. heck, he couldn't even eat pasta. That has to be one of the top three worst injuries an athlete could ever have. And apparently he said to the media today, his mouth was just gushing blood out after he was with head athletic trainer Chris Stewart. Even when they basically put a double towel into his mouth, the blood was bleeding through the first towel into the second one. That's just how serious this was. We are in the fourth week now of the six to eight week time frame. It looks like potentially that he is a little bit of head of schedule.

Teddy was practicing with penalty killers today in his normal spot. Again, wasn't taking contact. That will be the last step so that he can come back. He's not going to play on Thursday against New Jersey. That's too soon. Could he play this weekend? Maybe I personally don't think he will. I think next week is when we could see him back.

You know, again, it's still a little early in the time frame. It's good that he looks to be ahead of schedule. You excuse me, but I'm still not too sure when he is going to be officially coming back. Again, I would guess next week, but, you know, that is just a guess at the end of the day. Evgeny Malkin was able to speak to the media today. And, you know, he is always such a great quote. I mean, I absolutely love just whatever. he says, you know, I love

when he was asked about Cindy Crosby's 500th goal. And he said, you know what? Yeah, I hope he's assisting on my 500th when I score that. You know, for reference, Juno has 430 goals right now, so he's about 70 away. From getting over 500th. Hopefully he will get

to that point in the next couple seasons. If he can pot, you know, 20 consistently for the next for the next three to four years, he should get that pretty easily. heck if he pots 30 next year, he'll be what, only 40 away. And, you know, maximum he still has 30 games this year to score quite a few goals. Again, I do think he is going to hit that 500 career goalmark, though it's probably going

to be maybe a bit later on in his career than said. I mean, he's also missed a lot of time to injuries and all this other stuff. And, you know, he even said to the media, it's a special moment for sure for me. For said and for Lattang, we played together for 16 years. He also said he's so happy for said he deserves everything. Every goal he scores. I'm glad to get an assist. And of course, as I just said,

he hopes someday he can get an assist on his 500th. And again, you know, I just, I love how Holson he is to the media. I love how close he is with Sid as well. You know, this is, it's just a brotherhood between the two. And, you know, I'm just, I really hope that he ends up retiring as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. There really is not much to come out of today's practice. They worked on the penalty kill, worked on the power play,

did some individual drills. Nothing really earth-shattering. The lines were the same. If I can load those up here, real quick for you all. Well, if I can on my social media, let me just make sure that I can. Yep. So, yep, Gensel, Crosby, Rust, Hein and Malkin Carter, McGinn, Rodriguez, Capitin, Ashton, Rees, Boyle, and Simone, Dumon, Lantang, Pedersen,

Matheson Rweedle, Casper Borkquist was called up. Though the main reason he was, I saw some people on social media saying it could be a trade, you know, maybe as someone else hurt, someone have COVID. No, I mean, they needed an extra forward. He's just the 13th guy. And then once Bluger comes back, I think he'll be sent down because, you know, one of Simone or Boyle is going to come out of the lineup. And then when Jason Zulker comes back whenever that is, I'm sure, I don't think

Simone Arboil going to be sent down it. It'll just be a 13th and 14th forward kind of thing. And, you know, Mark Freeman right now, he's on a conditioning stand down in Wilkesbury. I think that's what he told. Taylor Haas of D.K. Pittsburgh Sports. He just hasn't really played a lot this year. And, you know, why would he, I guess,

when the defense is so freaking healthy? I mean, there's just no spot for him in the top six right now, especially with how Trial Riedel was playing. I know some people before the season tried to say that, you know, it should be Friedman getting the reps. O'Ruito, but I liked his defensive ability better than Freeman. And offensively, you know, he's only has one goal this year. But, you know, again, you're not going to pay that your number six guy to produce a lot of offense.

That's why you have Chris LaTang. That's why you have Mike Matheson. You know, John Marino maybe to an extent, you know, Marcus Pedersen's been okay. You know, you don't need all of your defense than to be, you know, pure offense. You need to have that mix. And, you know, I think the penguins have that and then some. So I'm perfectly fine with Friedman going down to Wilkesbury. I'm fine with O'Connor going down there.

And Zohorn as well, I saw that on the other day. And, of course, you know, Bjorquist, he's not going to come into a game unless there is another injury. God forbid that that is the case. So that wraps up this first segment of the podcast. Coming up in the second segment, I'm going to get into some listener, Miliback questions. And then lastly, we're going to go into some Jason Zucker talk and why I think he is, you know, more missed than some people realize, to say the least.

But before we do that, this is the time of year that I pretty much given up on all of my New Year's resolutions, but not this year. I'm sticking to my resolution to eat right thanks to Bill Bar. It almost feels like it's not really a resolution because I actually enjoy eating them. Puffs are the first ever protein-infused marshmallow. If you haven't tried them, you're missing out on one of Bill Pard's best-tasting bars. They're fluffy and their marshmallow. They're not just a protein bar.

They are a treat. All built bars as well are covered in 100% real chocolate, and yes, puffs are included with that. They are low calorie and high protein. You replace your candy bars with these as well. They're better than candy bars as well. Typical candy bar can be anywhere from 2 to 300 calories. Most built bars contain 130 calories, 4 grams of sugar and 4 grams of nut carbs, and 17 grams of protein. You can go to built.com, use promo code of Locked 15 and get 15% off your order.

That's promo code of Locked 15 for 15% off at Built. com. All right, we're back here on this episode of the Locked on Penguins podcast. I am your host, Hunter Hodes. Remember to follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes. Follow those shows, Twitter at L0-1-Square Penguins. So, excuse me, getting into some listener questions. I'm glad I was able to do this.

I have not done one of these in a while, you know, you all send in some pretty good questions. So Jackson Hollister, thank you for sending this one in. And, you know, we're redeeming, of course, a little bit. It was really cool to look at your cap-friendly lineup because, I mean, That would be a really fun penguins line of it back came in the past. He says, let's pretend the penguins do trade for Brack Besser. And that would be a lot of fun, obviously. I would love if they did that?

He goes, would you want them to re-sign him for his qualifying offer of $7.5 million? Is he worth that much? Follow-up question. I sent you a DM with my cat-friendly, create a roster with Bessor. How feasible is that? Okay. So would I want the penguins to resign him for $7.5? That's tough.

because I just don't know if like obviously what you sent to me and I'll load up this lineup for the entire listeners of this podcast if I can go find the DM if I just I don't know where did I put this thing I just I'm going to get in a sec but I think right now I probably would say no though this lineup does look pretty good. Gensel, Crosby, Rust. Houston, in with Malkin and Brock Besser, Rodriguez, Carter, Alex Nealander, Drew O'Connor, Teddy Blugher, Brock McGinn, Dumman, Letang, P.O.J, John Marino, Matheson, and Ruiedel, and then Jari and Anton Forgesburg. So basically the changes that Jackson made, no, they were able to resign Rust. That line's intact. Hoosstinen is up. So it looks like he has Dan Hinen getting out of here.

Kisperi Kappan, he's walking. That's fine. Alex Nealander. He intrigues me. He's been really freaking good down in Wilkesbury. I will say that. I mean, he has been lighting it up down there at almost a point for game rate. I will be curious to see if he does get a look. I would not mind it with how he's been playing.

Actually, no, excuse me, you have Rodriguez in there. But again, you know, Heinon's gone. Kaepernan's gone. You also have Aston Reese, it looks like, gone. I don't really know what they're going to do with him. And that's a really good question, I think. You know, are they going to re-sign that player? They only signed him to a one-year deal, and he's not making a lot of money.

So, I mean, he also has not played well offensively this year. Definitely not to what we saw last year where he was, you know, looking like he was going to potentially be a 15 goal scorer over an 82 game season. He's barely even has five this year. I know how good he is defensively. You don't need all your players to consistently score and produce. But this is still definitely not good, to say the least. And it also looks like you moved out.

Anderson and to Smith, you elevate a POJ. This lineup does look pretty good. I will say that. You have boosting up on the top six. That is an area that I don't think the team is going to do yet. Could he make the team next year? Sure. But I don't think it'll be in a top six role.

I think it's going to be, you know, bottom six maybe in, I don't know, Drew O'Connor's spot or something like that, you know, with Bluger. And again, heck, you know, it could be an Alex Nealander spot playing with Jeff Carter and Evan Rodriguez. I think that would be a lot of fun. You do have Latang making $8 million. I wonder if he's going to get more than that. You have Brian Ross making $6 million on that deal.

I think personally he's going to get more than that Besser at his 7.5. I think in that situation, Jackson, they may as well just keep Ross and then let Bester go. Though, again, your lineup is pretty good. If this is the lineup that you gave me, I would be okay with that. but is this what Ron Hextall is going to do? I don't think so. So I'm not really sure how feasible it is that this would come to pass.

I would love if they traded for Besser. And if they did, I would be hesitant to take that qualifying offer. I would try to sign him for a little bit below that just because of what other pending contracts that this team has, especially with Crystal Tang and of getting him. And so that's a great question. Thank you for asking that. I would obviously love that they got Besser. Though I think if they did, it would be more so as a rental compared to something long term.

Though I will say this as well. If they let Brian Rust walk and they sign Besser, then there's your replacement, basically. But so, you know, we'll have to see. I mean, I don't think Besser is going to move here. He may move overall. Though it is a fun thing to speculate and think about. Gilbert the Goat asks, who are your top three targets for the deadline, which team should be moved so POJ can play next season?

What is your biggest concern for the Penguins heading into the playoffs? Mine is their trouble finishing. Honestly, the biggest concern for the Penguins, I have two things. One of them is the finishing. I agree with that, Nick. I definitely think, well, you know, his name is Nick. Gilbert the Goat is his at name. But their finishing ability is bottom third.

of the nchl that's not good enough it's not going to be good enough come playoff time i'm not going to say goaltending because i love what tristan jari is doing right now excuse me but i think my other biggest concern is just running into another hot goaltender say you know the penguins draw the rangers and i'm going to dial up some of these underlying numbers because i dm you know one of my good buddies from penguins twitter all the time and you look at j fresh's stuff if you're if you're a for Patreon, you subscribe to his website and everything. For five on five, expected goals for per se,

the penguins ranked seventh with 2.7. Five on five expected goals against per 60. So the penguins ranked fourth at 2.26 against per game. That's one of the best marks in the league. Goals scored above expected, the penguins ranked 26th minus 12.6 goals scored above expected. What that means is that they are not finishing their chances. The Rangers are 14th in that regard.

And for five on five expected goals against per 60, the Rangers are 24. They allow almost three expected goals against per game. And five on five expected goals for, they barely, you know, it's barely over two. So looking at those numbers, you think, oh, the Penguins have an easy series, right? Think again with how talented their top six is. And, oh, you have God in net with Igor Shisterkin, who is Henrik Lungquist clone, who was going to come out and play like Ilya Seroken did last. year. That is probably above my finishing, you know, ability of concern for the penguins.

Just that they're going to get goal lead again. And we've seen them get goal lead numerous times with these last few years. Carrie Price and the return to play was just unbelievable. Robin Lanner was ridiculous with the Islanders, but when the Islanders sweep the Penguins a year before that, obviously Sorokin stole the show last year. It's just been happening more frequently. And I'm like, okay, are the Penguins ever going to just, you know, get a series? where they can actually make a goalie look human and not have him play like God against them. So I think that is my number one concern handing into the playoffs. They're just going to get Stonewall.

Obviously, they're finishing ability is up here as well. You also ask you know which defenseman should be moved so POJ can play. That's a tough call, man. I mean, with how Matheson is going right now, I'd probably go Pedersen. But who's to say that Matheson will repeat this next year? And, you know, Josh Yoey wrote today in the athletic that the penguins actually would not mind if someone took Matheson's contract off their hands just because it's so, you know, it's for so many more years and as like Kerry is a big cap it. And that's weird because, you know, he's obviously been so good this year. But, you know, it's still interesting that, you know, they're open to potentially moving him in a deal where, you know, that salaries off their books and then they can just elevate POJ.

So right now, I'd probably lean towards Pedersen that's going to be moved. If Matheson keeps this up, though if he turns back and do a pumpkin, I would lean the other way and maybe thinking of getting him out of town. But I do agree, man, he needs to get some games in. I think PO is an inch already, at least in my opinion. You also ask you who your top three targets for the deadline. Joe Pavelski, Connor Garland. And if I had to pick another one, honestly, J.T. Miller. I know it's weird that there's two from Vancouver, but they have a lot of really good

players over there that are not being used, right? I should say, and they're kind of just wasting their time away. I think Nick Paul would be, you know, just outside my top three. I think he'd be a really good acquisition. Just, you know, good checking forward for, you know, the top nine. You can play him really anywhere in the lineup. I personally would really like him if the Penguins wanted to trade for him. But yeah, I think Garland. Pavellski and J.T. Miller are my top three. At least for me. I mean, I would love Claude Drew.

He'd probably go out there if they were more feasible, but that's probably not going to happen. Wesley Reed says, if the Penguins can only afford to sign two out of the big three, Malkin-Littang Rust, who is going to do to a new team. Yeah, this is tough. And I like what you said, you know, take an account who's best for the team

and who the team can do without no matter how difficult. I've been saying this since the beginning. I love Brian Rust. I know he's making a strong case. They have to bring him back no matter what. But I still think that, you know, I got a side with Latang and Malkin. I mean, these two have been in the franchise for almost two decades now. And Latang is at another level this year.

I know people say, well, you know, what if he falters? What if he regresses? You know, he's going to get older. I understand that, and I know he's going to make a lot of money. But this guy is a freak during the off season. No one knows his body better than he does. He works out a ridiculous amount. I honestly think he is fine, and he's going to be good for years to come.

Malkin is at a point per game pace. I always want him to finish his career with Sidney Crosby. Brian Russ, just because there are a lot of free agents out there this off season, I feel like he potentially can be replaced. caught Philip Forsberg. I believe his contract is up after this year, and it looks like he might be available at the trade deadline. So he would also skyrocket up

if the Penguins wanted to go out and get another pure shooter for the top six. If he is actually available, it would probably be my top three. Nick Forsberg, Pavelski, and Garland would be my top three targets. So don't think any of those are super feasible. I would love it. But we'll have to see Dallas also took down Winnipeg tonight. But I totally understand that you want to keep Ross at all cost. It's a very valid opinion to have.

I totally respect it. I just, you know, I can't see a world where they get better if they keep him and one of the other two and then the other one walks. I mean, I personally think the team regresses next year. You also ask what about a competent slash prospect or a second or third for Claude Drew in a draft pick? You know, Wesley, I would love that, but the Flyers are not going to trade with Pittsburgh. Remember, when Ron Hextall was the GM in Philly, they traded Mark Strait to Tampa. He then went to Pittsburgh.

That is how they just did not want to deal with each other. So I think Drew personally is going to go to Colorado. That's my opinion, though. But it would be fun because of pure chaos. But I just don't see it happening. Alan Teodor finally asked if the Penguins traded for Phil Kessel would cap in and be evolved and would it be an upgrade? I think it would be a minimal upgrade Alan, but I don't think he is the player that he used to be. That's my main thing.

You know, I'm not going to sit here and, you know, call him washed or, you know, all this other stuff. I mean, he's not lazy or anything, but he's just not the player that he used to be. I just don't think he is the player that the Penguins need right now. I think they need to aim higher, aim for a better player. You know, he just, he hasn't, he usually is known for a pure goal score, right? But he only has six of those this year. I know he's on a bad coyote's team. But it's still to me, you know, it's not good enough, at least in my opinion.

You said, thinking of how awesome it was seeing Crosby's 500th goal in person, what's the coolest penguin's moment you've witnessed in person? Okay. So I haven't been to a lot of Penguins games. Obviously, that comes with me. not living in the city of Pittsburgh. I wish I did. I would go to all of them.

I think the coolest one I got to see just beating the capitals in Washington and storming the steps. Just nothing gets better than that because all of the Capitals fans just go by, I'm not going to do it on the Shamed. They give you the double bird. All of them are just so freaking mad.

And it's the absolute best thing. excuse me in the world so that's probably the coolest one i've ever been to i also got to see a three-nothing comeback in 2017 against the buffalo sabers um there are a ton of buffalo fans at that game and the penguins are able to have a nice three-goal comeback in the third period i believe connor sherry had the game winning goal and then the penguins were able to win that game with an empty-nut or five to three so those will probably be my two favorites or the coolest ones but the capitalist one it definitely i think takes the cake for me um coming up in the next segment we're going to go some Jason Zooker talk real quick and why I think he's a bigger loss than some think he is.

A bigger loss than I think some are saying. I apologize about that. But before we do that, football might be over for this season, but basketball is in full steam for both pro and college hoops. From all the latest odds, total square performance prompts to where the next fire coach is going to land. Betterline.com.net is the number one spot for all of your sports betting needs. Betterline remains the best spot for all of your sports scores, podcast, and news this season. You can head to the website today or use your mobile device to learn more about the trends and action.

That has been online where the game starts. Now, you can save time and money when using Rock Auto. Why should choose to spend 30%, 50% or even 100% more for the same parts from a chain store or car dealership. Rock Auto is a family business to renew your selfers for over 20 years. The prices are reliable for every customer. They have everything you can need from break parts, 10-11, smart oil, and even new car. You can go to rock auto.com right now and see all the parts available for your car truck. And you can write Locked On in their how did you hear about us box so they know we send you.

Magazine selection, Raleigh Willow prices, all the parts your car will ever need. That is rock auto.com. All right, welcome back to this episode of the Lockdown Penguins podcast. I'm your host, Hon. Hunter Hodes. We're going to follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes. Follow the shows Twitter at L.O underscore Penguins. So I read a great article today from Adam Gretz of Penn.

And, no, it got me thinking a little bit. Excuse me. Sorry about that. But, you know, I just, I think people take Zulker for granted just because he's not scoring like he used to. And I get it, you know, he was the big acquisition a couple of years ago from Jim Rutherford. He was promised he was going to score a lot of goals.

He scored 30 before he scored a lot of 20 goal seasons. I know he hasn't done that a lot. But, you know, he's been one of their best players defensively. and he's been a rock solid playmaker and if he made three to three and a half million no one would even care to try a dump

on him because again he's been perfectly fine this year when he has been in the lineup if I can find I can just get his hockey reference page here real quickly in 31 games obviously no six goals 13 points in those 31 games

but you know in his last two games so he played December 9th had the assist against New Jersey. That was the game of Penguins won. After that, comes back a month later, two goals in that comeback against Vegas, looks like he's putting it all together. Boom, you know, the hernia happens.

And it's just like, you know, the poor guy just, you can't get your break. But, you know, I really liked this stat that I saw this morning from Adam. And he just basically touched on how, you know, since for the last month or so, you know, he's been one of their best defensive fours. and he's been out.

And it's really, I think, just put a damper into the lineup. You know, he is included as one of the four best, you know, players in terms of expected goals against per 60 minutes. You know, I know his offense again is not what people want, but he's still having a fine season, you know, 13 points in 31 games. I know that's not a point per game pace, but, you know, over an 82 game season, I mean, what? I mean, that's close to, I mean, I actually, yeah, I just to make sure I had that right.

Yeah, I mean, that's close to, what, almost a 20 goal pace over an 82 game season. I know right now if they were 62 games because he's only played 31, that's a 12 goal pace, which is, you know, fine and Danny. But, you know, if he was able to score a little bit more during those next 10 games, you know, he'd be on a 20 goal pace, which I'm fine with. I know I predicted that he would have 20 to 25 this year. Obviously, it sucks that injuries happen, but I still think this is a player that they miss. You know, he four checks really well down low.

Again, he's really relentless with getting the puck back on his stick. And I also think he's a great fit for of getting Malkins line. And I will die on that hill. I don't mind defending Jason Zucker. I'm not going to defend Christophericap, because he's been way worse than Jason Zucker this year. But I have no problem, you know, especially when someone plays his tail off every single shift.

And, you know, he gets the looks. It's just that his finishing ability has not been that good this year, which I think has killed him. So, you know, I'm looking forward to when he's coming back. He hasn't started skating yet. He's probably not going to be back, I would say, for at least another three to four weeks, if not longer. We'll have to see.

But I wanted to just take a few minutes to explain, you know, just why the team misses him and why, you know, I think he can't come back, you know, soon enough. Because, you know, he is one of the four of the top seven players in terms of the expected goals against first 60. You know, he is one of those best players defensively on the ice. So we'll have to see when he comes back. thank you all so much for listening to this episode of the Lockdown Penguins podcast

I'll be back on Thursday for a full game recap with the Penguins versus the Devils one. I did a little bit of a crossover on Locked on Devils with Trey Matthews. Go check that out on Thursday right before the game. We also do some score predictions as well I did a couple of segments with Trey

and he's always a ton of fun talk to. So that'll do it for this one. Thank you all so much for listening and I'm back on Thursday.