The Check In - 03.21.26 - Jets at Penguins

The Jets roll into Pittbsurgh to face Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. Sara and Jamie will welcome TSN's Dan Robertson and Penguins pxp announcer Josh Getzoff to the show.

Transcript

SPEAKER_03 0:59

Good morning.

SPEAKER_05 1:00

Good morning, everyone.

SPEAKER_03 1:02

I was so terrified when Caden started the show. I was looking at the corner to see if people are gonna be watching. I saw zero there for a few seconds. I'm like, maybe it's too early.

SPEAKER_05 1:10

Oh, it look, it is early, but uh Lord James 7.04 a.m. Good morning, Jets fans. Go, Jets, go. Yes, we are all a little sleepy as well. I understand it.

SPEAKER_03 1:23

Yeah.

SPEAKER_05 1:24

Well, I brought the coffee. Hope you have yours as well. Good morning to you as well. Good morning, Jets fans. As we get you set for this afternoon's game. Yes, a very early check-in. I think this might be the earliest one that we've ever done. Fred. Fred, we might we're gonna have to dive into what you're doing up at 6 a.m. and already on a Saturday. That's right. Um we are look, we're looking forward to today. So back-to-back afternoon games. Uh it starts with Pittsburgh, obviously, this afternoon. It's gonna be a noon central start. The Jets have had success against the Metro Division so far this season. So hope that maybe it will translate into today because the Jets come in um after a disappointing loss in Boston.

SPEAKER_03 2:16

Lots to unpack from that game in Boston because I I mean I uh Scott One's asked about it afterwards. So was Brad Lambert. They had a four-minute power play and with the Bruins best player in the penalty box with David Pasternek um with a four-minute double miner, and they had their opportunities. But I think when we talked to Sophia on Thursday, it was about Jeremy Swayman and about how he was back to the guy that you know won a bunch of games with Linus Allmark splitting the net with the Boston Bruins. And as soon as he became the number one goaltender and got his big paycheck, it wasn't so good because he held out for so long. And now that story is so far behind them. And you saw why Boston opened up the bank for him because he was outstanding in that first period, and then like Winnipeg had numerous odd man rushes in the first period as well. So I think it's easy to look back at that first period and say they had their opportunities to at least get on the board first and at least get a good start out going, but they didn't capitalize, and Boston did, and then you just slowly started to see it unravel. And I'm still trying to figure out like I think on that dump and the 2-0 goal, I think the puck went off the heel of Heli Stick and went right back into the slot. I think. And then that weird bounce on the third goal, like that one didn't even make sense. There's a whole bunch of things defying physics on that on that those bounces. So as soon as those as soon as bounces started going against you in a building with like the TD Garden, it's it's hard to come overcome it. And we saw a little bit more in the third period, but by that time it was too late, and Boston just took over. So it's when you don't capitalize on your opportunities against a great team like Boston, especially on the road, it's hard to win games.

SPEAKER_05 3:52

Well, and we had talked about it uh before the game with Boston has I believe it's the second best home record in the NHL. They are it was like by one point or something, they are an incredibly difficult team to play against here. Um, and so too, but disappointing still to yes to see that when it was another game where when and you wouldn't know this, but going into the game, obviously, or when it finished, but it was another game where so many other teams around you lost. You have that opportunity to be able to move up maybe a little bit. And yes, look, it it's at sitting between depending where you go, between four and six percent chance that the Jets are gonna make it. We know that look, it the odds are very much against the making of it. But if what your goal is, is to try to do everything you can in your power to close that gap, it was a missed opportunity for them. It was disappointing to see the results. So now you have to regroup um and move on. And so we are going to we're looking for Dan Robertson's gonna join us in just a few minutes, and then we also have to talk about Pittsburgh with us. Who do we have on?

SPEAKER_03 5:01

Josh Getzov is the uh play-by-play voice of the uh Pittsburgh Penguins. Uh, listen, there's Pittsburgh, I think, was another one of the teams that are surprising this year because they were 100. They're not even close to a playoff team last year, and it looked like the rebuild was on. But here, lo and behold, and I mean they're still where they are in the standings and didn't have Sydney Crosby for like four weeks. That's the incredible part.

SPEAKER_05 5:24

You miss Malcolm for you miss Malcolm for five games. He just came back from his suspension as well. But in some ways, it you know, they were criticized, I think, from other people with keeping that Kyle Dubas was for keeping that core together again. But that we know the success that that core group has had, the Chris Lating, Malcolm, Crosby. I mean, you can even throw in it's only been a couple of years, but Eric Carlson, they're they're all older. Yeah, and in the final stages of their career, and you can go, okay, well, but they're not gonna do that retooling, rebuilding. And somehow this season, it is as if the fountain of youth has been discovered and they have re they have refound their game with what we haven't seen in the last couple of years. So we are gonna talk more, a lot more about them. As we mentioned, those two looking forward to having Dan and Josh help us out to get it set up. But we do want to go. You mentioned Scott O'Neill's comments after the game when talking about the missed power play. Um, he was also asked just about obviously the loss, and let's hear from him after that game in Boston.

SPEAKER_00 6:28

I think uh I liked our first period. Um execution is started to deteriorate after that. I thought that you know, we had plays to make, whether that was breakouts, whether that was entries, we had some odd man looks um on the power play. Um our execution wasn't real good. And then, you know what, then we as kind of as the game went on, I you know, as it got to 3-0, it was still a game, but at the end of the day, we just you know, we didn't execute and then our compete level dropped. And as soon as you you drop your compete level against a team like that, that's the end result you're gonna get. I I don't know what the answer uh exactly. I just know that we haven't done that. I haven't seen that since the break and coming over the break, and to me that's just uh that's something that you know to us coaches with our leadership group, we just gotta focus and make sure that doesn't happen again. That you never know in these games. You stay in these games, and we've done it before where we've been able to get them to overtime and whatever it may, whatever we have to do. I just uh yeah, that's a one-off, hopefully, because uh we go turn around, we got two back-to-back afternoon games, three and four nights. So it's uh no time to dwell. We gotta get focused again now on Pittsburgh.

SPEAKER_03 7:35

Exactly what we said, basically.

SPEAKER_05 7:38

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 7:40

I do like how he points out that the compete level dropped a little bit.

SPEAKER_05 7:43

Yep.

SPEAKER_03 7:44

And I think that's and it was a fair way of where or of explaining how things kind of unraveled as as bad as they did, because I know some of the questioning was it wasn't didn't feel like a 6-1 game, but to me, watching it felt like a 6-1 game, if that makes any sense. It just you give Boston anything now or a team that of that quality, they'll they'll make you pay. And they they did just that. So it's again going back to the opportunities they missed earlier in the game. Caden, why don't you throw up the standings? Because here's where uh what Sarah was touching on a little bit earlier. There's there's some missed opportunities here. Like you're there's you know, you're still five points back. Seattle's flailing right now. Nashville's the one team that keeps winning, so um Seattle's been inconsistent. LA's hit or miss some on days, but um, and San Jose is just a young team trying to fight their way into the playoff situation. So it's just and don't forget St. Louis is kind of sitting right over top, but behind the Winnipeg Jets in the rearview mirror as well. So it's not they're they're kind of still in the picture, but man, like again, a missed opportunity and and even more pressure on the Jets. They they it feels like they have to win this game today and again tomorrow in New York.

SPEAKER_05 8:50

Yeah, absolutely. And look, the good news, I mean, if you want to look we it we understand the challenges of playing uh playing three games in essentially three and a half days. I mean, they did it last week as well. We know how that final game against St. Louis, although they were able to pull out the win. Uh it was St. Louis, wasn't it?

SPEAKER_03 9:09

Is it St.

SPEAKER_05 9:10

Louis?

SPEAKER_03 9:10

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, and it's not it's only two games ago, but it feels like it feels like so much long ago.

SPEAKER_05 9:18

Um, but we uh about how they were running on fumes by the end of it. Well, so they play today in Pittsburgh, they play tomorrow in New York, and then they'll um they'll be coming home. It this is a game that they have to win. New York struggles mightily at home, as good as Boston is at home. New York is not the only team with fewer home wins than New York is the Vancouver Canucks. And they're they neither of those teams have hit double digits yet in terms of wins this season um on their home ice. So we'll see what happens. We'll see what happens with it. But they go into this game today. We don't know what the lines are gonna look like. And before Dan comes on, I just want to quickly ask you, Jamie. We saw the blender go out, understandably.

SPEAKER_03 10:04

So love the blender on Friday night.

SPEAKER_05 10:07

Okay, so and then yesterday it's an optional skate. And you know, Mike McIntyre wrote a piece in the free press about how in years past, and years being, I mean, a number of years ago now, you would have seen after a game like Boston, you would have seen a really hard practice the next day. Um it was an optional skate yesterday. There were uh no line shown. We don't know what that's gonna mean. Could Neil Pionk be coming back into the lineup today, tomorrow? We'll have to wait and see. But we saw Hayden Fleury didn't play a lot of the third period. Um he was a minus three for it. We saw Vellardi move back onto the top line, Lambert got moved up to the second line. Yeah, your third line became Roseanne, Barron, and Aya Follow, and your fourth line, Nyquist, Taves, and Kepke. And so that's how things finished. Do you think we will see some changes going into this afternoon against Pittsburgh?

SPEAKER_03 11:02

Uh, wild guess before we bring on uh Dan Robertson, I would say probably yes. And then another thing, Elias Salamanson played with Josh Morrissey.

SPEAKER_05 11:09

So yes, sorry, forgot about that.

SPEAKER_03 11:11

While there are so many changes, it's hard to list them all, Sarah. So and remember them all. But um, I love like eventually Brad Lambert has to get his shot at the top six because you have to see what you have. Roseanne, you have him for a while, but you really and you you know he's 22, you can kind of see what he is, and you can wait a little bit more, but you have to figure out Brad Lambert is, period. And it's it's nice he's been on the second power play, got an assist on the power play goal by Jonathan Taze, but you have to see him in your top six to see what it is and see what you can do.

SPEAKER_05 11:38

Yeah, and I agree, especially because it's not even as much about this season, it's about going forward. What is it that Kevin Cheveldev, what do you have? What what is this a player that you feel can play up with your club? Is this a player that you think, nope, you know what, it's not gonna work out. So we know the trade speculation that is going on with Brad wanting, did Brad want to be traded? Well, you got to find out what you've got to find out what you have because he also, Kevin Chevaldev, needs to look ahead to this offseason and go, okay, where are my biggest holes? Do I have someone that can fill it internally that we're gonna promote? Or what do I need to do via the trade or free agency market?

SPEAKER_03 12:19

It'll be an interesting offseason, but let's hopefully uh believe it won't start as early. He's uh been fixing how he looks, he's changed the scenery behind him numerous times, and he's even changed his name. Please bring in Dan. Call me Bob Cole Robertson from Pittsburgh.

SPEAKER_02 12:36

I I just thought if I put that name, only you guys would see it. I didn't know it was gonna come up.

SPEAKER_03 12:40

Believe me, everybody's in.

SPEAKER_02 12:42

I I know I'm not Bob Cole. That's the irony, just to try and make everybody laugh today.

SPEAKER_05 12:47

Hey, you know what? We love it, Dan, and we love it even more so at 8 12 central in the morning.

SPEAKER_02 12:54

Yeah, right on. I guess um, I'm a lump of coal in the Steel City here.

SPEAKER_03 12:58

So what a beautiful scenery behind you. Um we were just talking about the changes that Arnie made in the third period. What is what did you like about that? Because there, I think there's a lot to like from what we saw for only 20 minutes.

SPEAKER_02 13:12

I liked you just mentioned Brad Lambert. I liked the way he skated, and I liked seeing him elevated. Uh and you know, it's like Kevin said early in the broadcast, and I think we all know it, he's been on the fourth line, speaking of Lambert, but that ultimately he's going to play in the National Hockey League. He's not going to play on the fourth line, probably not the third line either. So I like that. Um, and it I mean, Arneal needed to do something, he needed to mix something up to try and get a spark. I think they'll probably start the way they started uh in Boston, because I think they'll do that until they feel that they can't get into the playoffs. And then I think it's gonna be kind of an open audition for the likes of Lambert and a little time for more experimenting. But uh, and I don't want to blow things out of proportion, but I I like the way I like the way he played. Speaking of Lambert, like he and I know part of it he had a nice setup uh on the power play, um, teeing up Salomonsen, who was really good too, I thought. So those are a couple of bright spots. But uh yeah, I mean, at some point when they kind of wave the white flag, I think there'll be more mixing and matching. But it was it was encouraging in a way for me to see that uh that go on in Boston.

SPEAKER_05 14:17

Dan, I know that we've spoken about on the broadcast before Morgan Barron, especially during that homestand, whether it be during intermissions. I mean, obviously you you were calling it, but between Salomonson and Barron, for me, those are two of the bright spots that I have seen in particular. And you could go top line, but uh, I mean, top line is what it is. We know what we know what they are. I think to to see the progression for me of Morgan Barron, um, especially as the season has gone on, the games haven't gotten obviously any easier. The pressure has increased that much more. And then for Solomonson to come in and do what he's done, to me, those are two bright spots that Jets fans can really um can really at eight o'clock in the morning, my words are failing me, can really grab on to though, right now. What do you think about the way that the two are? And is there any do you agree, or is there someone else that you look at and you go, Yes, this is this is a bright spot for the future?

SPEAKER_02 15:18

Oh, I agree with those two, Sarah, for sure. And I'm I'm biased. Uh, I admit it, I'm from Nova Scotia and Morgan is too. So I even before I had this job, you have to. Well, it's true, we're a small group, but honestly, the question for me with Morgan, uh, and he's thrived this year, and I know a lot of people say, make him second line center. Like, could he play, could he be effective with perfetti on a wing and maybe someone else, maybe a Vellardi or an Ayafala? Would that work? What is his long-term sort of role? I think he would be a terrific third line center. I don't know if he has the playmaking abilities. I'm not trying to run him down, but to be your sort of quint quintessential second line center. But what I see in him is a lot of the things that the Jets need more of, and that's speed. Uh, he's a powerful skater, he's a good, reliable two-way guy. I don't think the numbers will ever be huge, but I I don't I don't think they necessarily have to because I think he can drive play to a certain extent. And I think if and well, if and when they are out of the playoff spot for sure and they've kind of conceded it in a sense, I think we'll see him elevated in the lineup. Now, I guess the counter side of that argument is he's thriving in his role, so why take him out of it? But I want to see him get more of an offensive chance. I've really liked uh Salomonson. Yeah. I'm just kind of writing my intro for today's game, and I thought, do I kind of focus on Lambert or Salamanson uh in the little tease we do off the top? And I'm gonna look at Lambert, but Salomonson, the confidence that he's playing with and the poise, like that's you can see him kind of bloom right before our eyes, and and I think it's great. And you never want to see anyone get hurt. Uh, but obviously Neil Peonk's injury opened the door for Salamanson to kind of establish himself. And I remember when he came up uh first in this season, uh, and I asked Arneal uh in a pregame interview, will he go back down? And uh, does this mean he'll stay here? Can he kind of carve out a spot for the rest of the year? And he he was hesitant to say, but uh I can't ever see him going back. Not to say he's not gonna have ups and downs, but uh to me now you look at it and think, what's his long-term role? Is he eventually a first-line pairing guy with John, a first D pairing guy with Josh? All that will play out. But those are those are two bright lights when you talk about Barron and Salomost and Sarah. I really agree with that.

SPEAKER_03 17:26

It's been such a crazy year, Dan, in terms of like predicting how the standings were gonna finish. Obviously, we never thought the Jets would be where they are right now, but think of everything that's happening in the Eastern Conference right now Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Detroit, uh, where they're all starting. Columbus and Columbus, yes, who were I at the I can't believe they've worked ourselves in the playoff spot for a little bit. But let's speak for the penguins specifically. As you focused on them, what has kind of stood out to you for how they've uh managed to pull themselves up in the in the metro?

SPEAKER_02 17:56

Well, it's pretty fascinating, right? I think leading into the season, there's so much talk, and it's I laugh because it's ridiculous now. Will Sidney Crosby be treated? You kept hearing this Crosby to Montreal, and I'm thinking he doesn't want to, he's not gonna go anywhere unless he says he's going to go somewhere. But they've been a huge surprise. And just taking a quick look, I mean, their special teams have been superb. There's guys who are having bounce back seasons like Evgeny Malkin, uh, Anthony Mantha. Uh, you know, Brian Rust is kind of a guy who you don't think of, he's not a superstar, but the guy is gonna get to 20 or 30 every year. So um you often see people getting Jack Adams votes as head coaches for teams that maybe overachieved in a sense, and and probably Dan Mews will get some of those votes, but they're in a good spot. I did not expect them to be there. Um, you know, they've they've uh it's kind of a no-name defense after Carlson and Letang. Carlson's been outstanding. Letang maybe not so much, but uh yeah, they're right in the middle of it. And Sheeloffs has been pretty good too. And Kyle Dubas has done a good job stockpiling draft picks and making subtle little moves. I mean, you got Chinikoff from uh Columbus, who's got a real heavy shot. He's a good goal scorer. So uh, and I think if I'm not mistaken, I'll double check. But if the playoffs were to begin today, they would play Columbus. And they're really they're really good rivals, they're not that far away geographically. So uh it's it's been one of the real positive stories in the NHL. And I'll say this too, and Kevin would say the same. Prosby's back today. I always feel privileged to be able to watch him play live. So he played in Carolina in a while when the other day, but uh we know he's the constant. So it's 21 years, 21 straight seasons where he's had a point per game or more, which is unbelievable.

SPEAKER_03 19:33

Crazy, man. Like it's just it's what he has done to do with us. And they were talking about the World Cup roster in 28. And some guy was saying, Don't be surprised if Sydney Crosby's still playing in 28, and even and they had asked, there's a rumor that he could be the general manager of Canada, you know, uh setting things up in 2030. And then another comment was made that he could be well on that team in 2030. So um, you look great, buddy. I'm glad uh you got some beautiful scenery behind you, and uh appreciate everything you do. And good luck going forward with the name change. Uh, we will continue to call you.

SPEAKER_02 20:04

Yeah, I think it's probably trademark again. I I didn't know that was gonna come up. It's good that I wrote that and not something else that would have got me in trouble. I was going to write Jamie Thomas, but I thought that'd be too much for the world to handle. We don't really know there's no other Jamie Thomas out there, trust me.

SPEAKER_03 20:19

There's only one. Thanks, guys.

SPEAKER_04 20:22

Thanks, Jen.

SPEAKER_03 20:23

Okay, Dan. Dan Robertson joining us. Uh, of course, and I I mean, I imagine he likes calling games early too.

SPEAKER_05 20:30

I would think so. There is no pregame show. Um, as a heads up for everyone, there is no pregame show on TSN. There is, of course, on CJOB, so you can tune into that. But otherwise, 12 o'clock noon is what time uh TSN's coverage will come on, and TSN has both today and tomorrow's games.

SPEAKER_03 20:48

That's uh and well, is there any a game you guys don't have for the next little stretch here?

SPEAKER_05 20:54

Does feel like it does feel like uh quite a bit. You know, one of the things that's impressed me, just um, I'm not sure uh whether or not Josh is there, but the job he is okay. Then I'll uh we'll bring one in just one second. But the Pittsburgh Penguins have had a lot of success, as you know, from having called so many of the games as well at on home ice against Winnipeg. Uh so that's something that Winnipeg's gonna have to buck the trends of. But we heard Dan mention Dan Muse, who's in his first season as head coach of the Penguins, and the turnaround that we have seen from where they were last season to this year season is impressive. Yes, a number of players have you know rediscovered their scoring touches, the scoring is up considerably, but they have already matched their win total from last season this with 14 games to go. So yeah. And it's a great, you know, I love Pittsburgh. One of my, I think it is one of the most underrated cities in the US. I used to love when we lived in Toronto. We would often when I'd have to go down and cover stuff in Pittsburgh, whether it be the Penguins or The Steelers. Um, we would drive down. My husband and daughter would come with me. Great children's museum, good food. I just I've got so much time for that stuff.

SPEAKER_03 22:09

Josh is just shaking his head. He's like, Yes, I can tell you.

SPEAKER_05 22:11

Yes. Let's bring him in. Let's hear about it.

SPEAKER_03 22:14

Let's hear him agree with you for a little bit here off the top. But what else can you tell us about the beautiful city of Pittsburgh?

SPEAKER_05 22:18

It's such an underrated city, Josh.

SPEAKER_01 22:21

Yeah, it is. Uh Sarah, I agree. The children's museum. I mean, I have a four-year-old and a one-year-old, and it's it's uh probably our most visited building aside from our house in the city right now.

SPEAKER_05 22:30

So 100%. People used to people used to. So here's the thing, Josh. When you live in the prairies of Manitoba, we always we're big, we drive a lot of places, and it doesn't matter how far it is. We'll usually be like, ah, it's it's easy. It's like seven and a half hour drive, no big deal. You just hop in the car and go. Well, Pittsburgh was, I don't know, about four and a half hours from Toronto. And so we every time I would refuse to fly, and we always drove, and it was because of that children's museum that to go through. I just, yeah, it's fantastic.

SPEAKER_01 23:06

It really is. Yeah. No, I I agree with you guys. I mean, we've been here, my wife and I have been here about 10 years now. So uh it's it's definitely home and it's it's a great city. And when the teams are playing well, like any sports city, there's always an extra buzz. So this year, with just the unexpected year the penguins have had, it's been uh it's been a lot of fun to be a part of, and just kind of now that we're in mid-March, really feeling the energy coming back home here. So it's been cool.

SPEAKER_03 23:30

Hey, Josh, you're in the trust tree right now. Nobody's gonna hear about this. But did you did you see what's happening this year in Pittsburgh happening?

SPEAKER_01 23:39

Uh, we're in the trust tree. Yeah, we're in the trust tree. Yeah, uh, no, no, no, none of us did. Um, I I would say this when we looked at our team coming into this year, I think the the common consensus was, oh, this team's looking for the number one pick. They're gonna be one of the worst teams in the league. I truly didn't feel they'd be that bad. I actually was a little concerned that they'd be in that mushy middle spot where you're not necessarily adding an impact higher end draft pick, but you are getting the, you know, 15, 16, 17, which, you know, for some teams that's not a bad deal. But for where the Penguins looked like they were at coming into this year, that's not exactly where you want to be. So I didn't necessarily think they'd be at the bottom, but I certainly didn't think, you know, they'd be uh what, eight, nine points from the first place in the Metro and first place in the Eastern Conference um here in the back end of March. So uh they've been an unbelievable story. Like just like the Jets had a great start to the year. They had a little bit of a dip, um, but you know, pretty much since Christmas, they have been top five team in the league in in most categories, and they've been consistent without some big players. It's just been it's been a lot of fun. It's been a really, really cool story to just watch unfold this year.

SPEAKER_05 24:50

So what do you attribute that to?

SPEAKER_01 24:52

Uh, a lot of it has to do with Dan Mews. Yeah. And that's not a knock on Mike Sullivan. I think we can all kind of agree that you know he was here for 10 years. It ran its course. He he was he was unbelievable during his time here. He he brought two cups to the city. He coached through a lot of difficult challenges as far as injuries and players that came in and out of the lineup and stuff of that nature, and just maintaining that standard year after year. But after 10 years in a league like the National Hockey League, you don't find many coaches, except if you're what, John Cooper or Jared Bednar at this point, uh, that are hanging around, you know, a decade into a stint with a team. So I think the change, while in the moment, it was a little bit of a shock, even in the sense of uh maybe I don't know if shock's the right word. It was expected it needed to happen, but just not seeing him on the first day of training camp and not seeing him behind the bench for the first game and actually being on the opposite bench that first game because the Penguins opened against the Rangers, um, was was a little weird, a little jarring. Um, but Dan Muse has come in here and he is not a rah-rah guy, but he's such a team concept guy in the sense that everybody feels like they're truly in on this thing together. Um he had a couple preseason gatherings with the players and the coaches and the staff that I think really kind of hammered home some of his philosophies and how he was going to run this team. And even since then, just being on the periphery, and you guys know, I mean, as a broadcaster, when you're around the team, you're you're a part of the team, but you're not in the room. You're not going through those major moments that happen within a game and everything. Um, he's done an exceptional job and maybe even an unnecessary job of bringing us uh to be a part of some of these things, whether it's on the road, making sure we're part of the group that goes out to to grab dinner or or just you know meet up after a skate and have a longer conversation. And I think that that kind of uh personality and that kind of approach, one, it's been different, and two, it's been uh it's been a whole team kind of feel to it. And I would say there's no more of a greater emphasis than that than when you look at our team's time on ice. I mean, it's it's very rare, especially with how the Penguins, you know, were ran in the past, and you would understand it. They've had top heavy teams and and some superstar players, but to see our fourth line getting 12, 13 minutes on average a night, um, this is a every guy pulling the rope type of situation, and and it has worked. They've bought in, they've gotten results, and it's been fun to watch.

SPEAKER_03 27:21

Josh, look, I know you get asked this question a lot, and it's for good reason. Dan, just Robertson, the play-by-play voice of the Winnipeg Jets, as you know, just talk about the privilege of being able to call games with Sidney Crosby in it. What has it been like for you to be around him all the time? I haven't been around him near as much, but I remember at Four Nations face off just standing around him and being beside him and watching him how he operates even for just 10 days, is was incredible. So I imagine it must be even more incredible to do it all the time for part of your job.

SPEAKER_01 27:48

It it is, Jamie. I mean, it's uh it's it's still one of those things that I'll say his name, like even this afternoon, I'll say his name calling it, and I'm like, wow, that's that was cool. Uh but that's kind of the impact that he has. I mean, and and you know, you you meet a lot of people throughout the the the ranks of the league or just penguins fans in general, it's always the first question. What's Sidney Crosby like? Who is he? What's he like? And I mean, it's how who is he? He's I think he craves to be just a regular guy, but he's obviously not. Um, so if you approach him as such and you handle him as such, when you talk to him away from the rank, uh, you can build a relationship with him. And I feel like that's been part of the reason that I've been able to grow closer with him over these years. But um, you know, he it's it's what as far as the just the opportunity to call him, it's something that's not lost on me game to game. And honestly, with the stuff that he's had going on here for the last, you know, handful of years, where it's breaking records, setting new records, just uh, you know, reaching milestones that uh only have names like Gretzky and Lemieux and those types of names attached to them, um, it's it's added even more of a magnitude, I think, to just how impressive he's been and how uh uh really uh much of an honor it is to call him in action. And you know, there's there's Evgeny Malkin too, and and Eric Carlson's coming to the fold the last couple of years. And um, you know, these kind of guys, they they're unicorns. Um, and it's it's really a cool situation to get to be around them. But Sid is definitely um one, just a unique kind of person and player, but two, I mean, I'm sure you hear it when you talk to guys on the Jets or even guys around the league. Everyone has an impressive thought about him. Like they're they're blown away by his existence. Or if they get the chance to play with him on Team Canada and the Four Nations and the Olympics, they're they can't speak highly enough about it. And being around him as much as I am, I I don't take that for granted, but it's always a nice refresher when you talk to other players that have been with him, not in the penguins capacity. Um, just how uh impressed they are by him as a person.

SPEAKER_05 29:54

I don't know how you couldn't be. I mean, he just he not only does he just he's so comfortable in his own skin with it, but just the class that he shows. I just think that um he's such he's such a great ambassador, obviously, not just for the penguins, but for hockey in general and uh professional athletes that I think that's it'd be so beneficial for for players to take a page out of his book. Uh just before we let you go, Josh, because obviously, with this being an early game and we appreciate your your time very much. One of the things Pittsburgh is one of the highest scoring teams in the league this year. Um it's an area that they've really improved upon since last year. I think that they're maybe around seventh in the league, um, averaging about 3.44 uh goals a game. But they've been able and they've scored at least four and five of their last six. How have they been doing it? What is it that's changed, or is it just people have rediscovered the fountain of youth?

SPEAKER_01 30:48

Yeah, it's it's that's been such a great storyline this year, Sarah. I agree. I mean, I I feel the easy answer is to say you had a lot of guys that had a lot to prove on this team this year. And it's it's always a cliche, but when it works, which it has this year, and that's not always the case, um, it it it ends up benefiting your team. I mean, first and foremost is Anthony Manta, uh, you know, coming off the torn ACL. He will probably get 30 goals this year. He's at 26 right now, and he's been a beast uh all season long. Uh Justin Brazot had 16 career goals entering this year. He has 16 this season. Um, you know, so these are the kind of storylines that have developed. Igor Chinikov, they get from Columbus for a couple of draft picks and Danton Hine. Um, and he was always because we saw him a lot in Pittsburgh. We knew that there was talent there, but you never expected it to pop to the level that it has since he's come on board with uh the Penguins. And he's meshed incredibly well with Evgeny Malkin. Um, I just think the depth in general has been productive and impressive, and Dan Muse has found lines that have worked like pretty much from night one uh out of the gate and have been pretty, you know, uh there's been injuries, there's been movement time to time, like any team has, but there's been at least winger-setter combinations or two winger combinations that for the most part, this entire year have spent the season together. Um, and I think that that's been a huge thing. I mentioned that he likes to roll the lines. I just think that's allowed a lot of guys to stay in the flow of the game. And, you know, you're not playing the Crosby line 26 minutes. There have been those nights, sure, but more often than not, and I would bet today's another example, you'll see Sid clock in somewhere around 18 to 20 minutes, and you'll see Connor Dewar, Manitoba boy, playing somewhere between 13 to 14 minutes. And that's that's kind of how it works. There's not a major, major disparity within the lineup, and it's allowed guys to stay, you know, within the realm of the game, not feel like their first shift out there in 10 minutes is too fast for them or too out of sync. Um, and they they're able to produce as a result. And I just think it's been um, it hasn't really been rocket science, but that's as simple as it's been. The the guys are doing what they should be doing in contract years or prove it years type of thing. And there's just been a good flow to this team. So um it's been fun to watch their schedule. Like every team in the league is busy and brutal right now, but um, they found a way. And now having you know Sid and Gino back, I think that uh there's there's a lot of hope that after this three-year hiatus, they can get back in the playoffs this year.

SPEAKER_03 33:23

One last one before you let you go. I know it's far too early to be thinking about this, but uh hang with us. It's time for soups on.

SPEAKER_04 33:37

But she never thought that was gonna happen. Oh, I'm ready, I'm ready.

SPEAKER_03 33:41

I don't know what this is, but I'm in. Well, Pittsburgh must have a bunch of great restaurants. Uh so as we asked you this question this early Saturday morning, what is a what is a go-to soup for you in the in the in the Gets Off Family Period?

SPEAKER_01 33:53

Oh, go-to soup. Uh okay, so first of all, it's it is early, but my my little guy had a skating lesson at 7 a.m. Central time. So I've been I've been rocking and rolling for a while now. Um, but the uh the soup, I would say, actually just had this the other day. It was uh uh let's see, it was like a chicken chickpea curry soup. Um, haven't had that in a while, and it was actually right after we got back from this last trip. There was some left in the fridge, and I heated it up. And I don't know, something about curry that when it's cold outside, it just it tastes really good. So I would throw that one out there. Also, cream of cauliflower I had the other day. Also, pretty good.

SPEAKER_05 34:35

Oh, we haven't had that one yet.

SPEAKER_03 34:38

Two new scoops of the conversation, my friend.

SPEAKER_01 34:40

I you know what? If I can add something new, that's all I'm looking to do, guys.

SPEAKER_03 34:45

Hey man, thanks so much for your time. Thanks for coming on so early. Have a great call today, and uh make sure you give Dan Robertson a hug for us.

SPEAKER_01 34:51

Oh, I will. I've always loved seeing the big teddy bear that is Dan up there. So uh I absolutely will, guys. Thanks for having me on. I'll see you soon.

SPEAKER_03 34:59

Take care, Josh. All right, see ya. All right, Josh driving to the rank and joining us. I'm just kidding, he's not, but um, so that'll do for this one.

SPEAKER_05 35:07

Yes, um, you guys, it's so great to see so many. He does have exquisite soup tastes. Yes. Um and I like the what's your favorite sandwich? You know what? Look, we can only turn this so much. Do you not remember Adam? You might not have been on when uh Paul Edmonds made fun of us yesterday for turning or on Thursday for turning this essentially into a food show. We have to limit what we can do.

SPEAKER_03 35:35

I love how he makes fun of us, though, but then he's like read into it as soon as we start. He's let's talk about he's the genesis of the whole soup thing, so it's his fault.

SPEAKER_05 35:43

It's all his fault. Um, you everyone, this is you know, it's been so much fun. We love that you have been up and joining us and not just watching, but from wherever you are, whether it be um, you know, West Coast, West Coast, um, East Coast, still in bed, whatever it might be. We love that you joined us and that you've been in and that you've been joining the conversation as well. It's always adds so much to it. The Jets kicking off back to back afternoon games. It is today in Pittsburgh. Tomorrow, the New York Rangers, so they are at Madison Square Garden. Uh, we will wait to see what happens with the lines. We will find out that you can tune into the CJOB pre-game show because guaranteed that they will have them when Paul and Mitch let you know with the boys in the booth. Um, the broadcast starts at uh noon on TSN if you're watching on television, and we'll see what happens with it. You know, it was disappointing the way that things went in Boston. How do the Jets respond? There will be lots for us to talk about tomorrow, Jamie. Um does he switch the lines? Do you see that compete level again? Everything that's um all the questions kind of that we have. A does Neil Pionk make his return. We expect that it'll be Connor Hellibuck in net today with Eric Comery. We would have to think going tomorrow. We'll wait to see if Connor Hellibuck we'll wait to see if Connor tells us after the game.

SPEAKER_03 37:08

Maybe I would ask if I'm the media, if I'm Mike McIntyre at Mitchell Clinton, I'm asking afterwards to speak to Connor Hellebuck. So who's gonna be the starting goaltender? We're gonna we're gonna stop asking Arnie these questions. We're just gonna go straight to the source.

SPEAKER_05 37:22

Yeah. Um, and James, yes, sandwiches next season. You never know. Donna, listening from Portugal.

SPEAKER_03 37:29

Jeez.

SPEAKER_05 37:30

Kudos to you, Donna. I'm also very jealous um of you right now. So maybe Donna, you can fill us in. If you join us tomorrow, let us know how it is going over there. Um look, we're gonna roll. But we're gonna see you all, we hope, tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. Let's do it again. Let's do it again. It's such a good time. Look, I brought my coffee, no soup first thing this morning, but there is coffee, and hope that you guys grab um your coffee or your tea or your juice and join us tomorrow morning at 8 a.m.

SPEAKER_03 38:04

Thanks for watching, everybody.

SPEAKER_05 38:06

Thanks so much, everyone, for checking in.