Tim Benz and Mark Madden return for this week’s edition of “Unfiltered” on TribLive’s Facebook page to talk about the Penguins win on Sunday and how the season is going, the outlook for Steelers future and the buzz around fans clamoring for J.J. Watt to join his brothers with the Steelers.
The Penguins beat the Washington Capitals on Sunday at home, giving the Pens three wins over the Caps this season so far. Madden think the Penguins will be battling the Capitals and New York Islanders for the last two playoff spots in the East.
Madden adds that to be 7-5-1 at this point is a good thing for the Penguins, but at the same time they have been a mixed bag.
They also dig into the new hires of Brian Burkle as president of hockey operations and Ron Hextall as general manager for the Penguins. Benz says that the two have a yin-and-yang vibe, with Burkle as the quick-decision type and Hextall more the slow-and-steady type.
But Madden and Benz like the set-up. Madden thinks there won’t be any big trade moves this year, rather it will be an evaluation year. The only move Madden could see happening is getting a goaltender if the team is in a good playoff spot.
The guys discuss the Penguins recent goaltending troubles, including looking back at the team letting Marc Andre-Fleury go and sticking with Matt Murray. It was the right move at the time, but it just didn’t work out, says Madden.
Benz and Madden also talk about the quest to bring the third Watt brother to the Steelers, at least fans’ desire for this to happen. The guys don’t think the Steelers will or can land J.J. Watt. But would T.J. Watt follow his brother somewhere else next year?
The guys also touch on the latest on where Juju Smith-Schuster might land next season, the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey and answer viewers’ comments and questions.
Watch the show here:
