Mike Sullivan under fire after first press conference with the Rangers and fans aren't happy
Photo credit: Pittsburgh Hockey Now
According to local media, Mike Sullivan's press conference didn't exactly inspire a lot of confidence. They're now bashing him and making references to Peter Laviolette as they feel like he's not the coach to wake this team up and play their best hockey.
The 2025-2026 New York Rangers season hasn't even begun yet, and it seems that the press is already taking their shots at Mike Sullivan.
His press conference echoed a sentiment that reminded them of former Rangers coach Peter Laviolette, according to Author George Grimm.
"Sullivan's press conference was right out of 'The NHL Coach's Guide to Press Conferences.' He didn't give any specifics, didn't say anything controversial. He said a couple of things meant to inspire the fans and made sure to express how excited he was for the opportunity to coach an historic team like the Rangers.
While no one thought he was going to step in and be a savior overnight, Grimm's criticisms aren't exactly wrong, but were they necessary?
Grimm touched on the fact that the press conference itself was nothing more than a product of good public relations for himself and the team, albeit delivering nothing signifciant as far as long-term plans go for the team.
He'd set an appreciative tone regarding the team's heritage, and would state that he respected the roster that is currently in flux in MSG.
But Grimm wouldn't be sold on his spiel, and instead would hit on his demeanor and true intentions as a Rangers coach, instead of being a passionate leader of a historic original-six franchise.
"But judging by his low-key demeanor, it was hard to tell whether he was more excited about coaching the Rangers or cashing MSG's checks! He emphasized that he was looking forward to forming a partnership with Chris Drury, who he called 'Dru', a few times."
Sullivan wouldn't go into details of why he left Pittsburgh either, nor would he touch on the frustrations of the 2024-2025 NHL season for the team.
Instead, he'd mention he'd spoken to all the players already and saw the kind of leadership and passion he wants to see. But during the conference wouldn't mention his plans of how to utilize them to win games.
There was mention of who could be the next Rangers captain, as Adam Fox's name came into the discussion. But wouldn't give us any details, as his message on leadership was a bit cryptic, as it's "conveyed differently". That depends on a person's metrics, what are yours, Mike?
"I was very uninspired. It was just a lot of blah-blah-blah!"
- George Grimm
- George Grimm
And now, fans are left uninspired and unsure of where Mike Sullivan will take the club next year.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
MAI 9 | 1595 ANSWERS Mike Sullivan under fire after first press conference with the Rangers and fans aren't happy Do you think Head Coach Mike Sullivan of the New York Rangers is the right guy for the job? | ||
| Yes | 1196 | 75 % |
| No | 399 | 25 % |
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