Ex-NHL Stars shockingly reveal what Mike Sullivan will bring to the New York Rangers organization
It didn't take long for former Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan to land a new gig with the New York Rangers. His arrival in New York is imminent, and former players are already giving him glowing reviews when they played under him before
The New York Rangers made a quick effort to get their guy, Mike Sullivan. A former two-time Stanley Cup-winning coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who ended his time with the team after ten years.
Now, there are questions to ponder as Sullivan will arrive, taking the helm so soon after Peter Laviolette's quick, but unsurprising dismissal.
What can he bring to the New York Rangers that Laviolette didn't?
Former New York Ranger and Pittsburgh Penguin Brian Boyle had an interesting perspective that would make Igor Shesterkin happy. Boyle currently is a contributor who works for the NHL Network, and part-time as an analyst for the Rangers.
"If you have goaltending, which he does, that's one huge component of it," Brian Boyle told NHL.com. "If you make the life of the goaltender easier, then that's an important component too. You just need your top players to not disappear. That's a challenge."
Not only that, but former Ranger Mike Rupp feels that Sullivan can bring what Peter Laviolette failed to build in New York, not only accountability but an identity.
"I think there's a lot of guys not playing with confidence and I feel like there's been a lack of accountability," former NHL forward Mike Rupp said. "Those are pretty major things and I think he's one of the most perfect guys for the job because of those things."
All that requires of the Rangers talent, is to be ready to do what is asked of them this season.
Something that the team failed to do under Peter Laviolette, they started the season strong 12-4-1, and would follow-up that total with an inverse of 4-15-1 in their next 19.
Sullivan should be able to get more out of them, considering he's already coached Chris Kreider, Vincent Trocheck, and J.T. Miller at this year's Four Nations Face-Off.
Since the Penguins are Rangers are Metropolitan Division rivals, he should know them now as well as the back of his hand, considering how many times he's face the team this past decade.
Something that is lacking is an identity and accountability. Two things a team needs, and Sullivan could be the key to unlock this all again.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
MAI 3 | 1249 ANSWERS Ex-NHL Stars shockingly reveal what Mike Sullivan will bring to the New York Rangers organization Do you think Head Coach Mike Sullivan will turn the New York Rangers' fate around in 2025-2026? | ||
| Yes | 1011 | 80.9 % |
| No | 238 | 19.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
