PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There have been a couple of dramatic, seven game playoff losses in Madison Square Garden. It’s the site of the last Pens playoff game, a game-seven overtime loss. There are two prominent Pittsburgers on the Rangers roster, but that’s not the major story as the season opens Tuesday. It’s about the other head coach.
It seemed Mike Sullivan hadn’t finished cleaning out his office with the Penguins that the Rangers hired him. It was remarkable 10 seasons for Sullivan in Pittsburgh, winning a pair of Stanley Cups, a franchise record 409 regular season wins and 45 playoff wins. Under two dozen coaches in the history of the game spent more time with one team that Sullivan did with the Pens. In recent decades in the NHL only Lindy Ruff, Barry Trotz, Paul Maurice and Jon Cooper spent more time with one team than Sullivan.
Pens brought in Dan Muse as its head coach as he tries to instill a system, and GM Kyle Dubas a roster, that can get the franchise in the playoffs. For Sullivan, it’s high expectations in New York.
“I haven’t really thought about what it is going to be like,” Sullivan said. “I’m sure there are going to be a lot of mixed emotions. Obviously, the relationships I built with those guys was strong. We had the privilege of winning a couple of championships with some of those guys.”
“I think when you go through experiences like that it certainly galvanizes relationships that last a lifetime.”
“You build a bond, especially when you are an older player,” said Pens defenseman Kris Letang. “The personal relationship you create is always important.”
Sidney Crosby said the systems are actually pretty similar and echoed the comments about having a bond always with Sullivan. For 10 years Sullivan was asked to describe over and over again how special Crosby is and he did so with a respect that is rare in any sport. Now for the first time outside of international play, he is trying to beat him.
“I really haven’t given it a whole lot of thought, I’ve been so immersed with what is going on with the Rangers every day,” Sullivan said. “What I will tell you is my focus will be on the Rangers and setting this group up for success, but I’m sure there will be emotions.”
It’s a new era for the Pens. What a scheduling move for it to start in a place of playoff frustration and against a coach that guided them just over five months ago.