Mike Sullivan may have been introduced as the 38th coach in New York Rangers history Thursday, but the former Penguins coach took the opportunity to reflect on his tenure in Pittsburgh.
The Penguins and Sullivan decided to part ways April 28 after 10 years, and Sullivan landed his new gig just days later on May 2. Through his tenure in Pittsburgh, Sullivan led the club to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2015-16 and 2016-17. The Penguins made seven straight playoff appearances under Sullivan’s tutelage before failing to make the postseason in his last three.
“I’m so appreciative for the opportunity that I was given in Pittsburgh,” Sullivan said, per team-provided video. “It was a real privilege to work with that group of players there and in that organization. We were able to accomplish a lot when we were there, and I’m so grateful for that opportunity that I was given there.”
Despite having an overall record of 409-255-89 across 753 games, Sullivan acknowledged the Penguins also fell short of expectations.
“We also had our fair share of disappointments over the years,” Sullivan said. “It’s hard to win in this league, so I just think that’s part of it. Having the ability to spend a decade with some of the people that I was able to work with there, some of the players that I was able to coach there, I just think you take so much from those types of experiences.
Story continues below advertisement
“And I hope to bring those experiences here to New York that can help me be a better coach for this group of players, that can help us be as competitive as we can. We’re going to try to push these guys every day to maximize the potential that exists here, and we’ll see where that takes us. But that’s what I hope to bring. That, I think, is the takeaway from the 10 years that I spent in Pittsburgh.”
More Penguins: NHL Mock Draft Roundup: How Experts Project Penguins Pick Post-Lottery
Featured image via Peter Carr/Imagn Images