To say the past year hasn’t been the best or kindest for the former Penguins coach Mike Sullivan is an understatement of the highest order.
After a decade at the helm of the Penguins, the two-time Cup-winning coach and the team parted ways last April. While some reported that the split was mutual, others closer to the situation suggested that Sullivan had indeed been fired by POHO/GM Kyle Dubas.
The Marshfield, Massachusetts native seemed to be on his feet within a week when he accepted an offer to coach the Rangers, a prestigious gig to be sure, but one with a lot of pressure to win.
As we all know, appearances can be deceiving. The Rangers are very similar in composition to Sully’s last Penguins teams, a team with an aging core and little promotable young talent. Instead of overseeing a glorious turnaround for a team two seasons removed from a Presidents’ Trophy, Sully presided over an outright collapse.
While the Pens have rebounded under rookie coach (and former Rangers assistant) And Musethe last in the Metro Rangers threw in the towel about a month ago and recently became top scorer Artemi Panarin.
Although a brave public face, in private this must be a bitter disappointment for the fiercely competitive coach.
Yesterday, Sully got a draw of sorts when his Team USA defeated the powerful Canadians in a match for the ages to win Olympic gold. In the process, he became only the second Canadian coach in history to win a Stanley Cup and an Olympic gold medal Mike Babcock be the other. That makes Sully the first American-born coach to do the deed.
Him and Team USA GM Bill Guerin did it their way, with an unconventional but raw line-up tailored to the battle against Canada. I think of a quote from the last American coach to win gold: Herb Brooks.
When asked by an assistant about his player selection process Craig Patrickreplied Brooks, “I’m not looking for the best players, Craig, I’m looking for the right ones.”
Sully had his own colorful twist on it.
By means of Mollie Walker he said, “This team is built with personality in mind… There are whiskey drinkers and milk drinkers, and we have a lot of whiskey drinkers.”
Congratulations, Sully, on winning the gold.
A Burgh thing
I mentioned in my article yesterday that Team USA had a strong Pittsburgh connection. In addition to Sully and Guerin, assistant coaches John Hynes And David Quinnassistant GM Tom Fitzgerald and forward Jake Guentzel all have ties to the Penguins.
That also happens in a cumbersome way Jack Hugheswho scored the gold medal goal in OT. The fast ‘n’ skilled forward was taken first overall in the 2019 Entry Draft by former Pens GM Ray Shero.
Ironically, the Miracle on Ice crew, the last American team to win gold, also had roots in Pittsburgh. Pens design choices Mark Johnsonson of future Pens coach Bob JohnsonAnd Buzz Schneider combined for three of Team USA’s goals in the epic 4-3 victory over the Soviets.
Patrick was the architect of the first black-and-gold Cup winners and Brooks would later coach the Pens. Also a defender Mike Ramsey would also play in the ‘Burgh.
Sid’s status
As of this post, the exact nature and severity of Sidney Crosby’s The injury, probably to his right knee or leg, is still unknown. However, the fact that Sid did not participate in the gold medal game seems to speak volumes.
On a separate, but perhaps related matter, further Avery Hayes And Joona Koppanen were held out of the Baby Pens’ 4-0 win over Bridgeport yesterday.
Perhaps they are on their way to Burgh, which indicates that Sid could spare some time.
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