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Evgeni Malkin Shares His True Thoughts on Dan Muse Replacing Mike Sullivan
Photo credit: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin, entering what could be the last year of his NHL career, got honest about what he thinks of new coach Dan Muse replacing Mike Sullivan after nearly 10 years.
Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas decided that a change in leadership was necessary after the team missed the playoffs for the 3rd straight year, which is now officially the longest drought in the careers of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.
After letting Sullivan go, he soon hired former New York Rangers assistant coach Dan Muse. Additionally, he also hired former Penguins forward Nick Bonino, who won consecutive Stanley Cups in Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017, as an assistant on Muse's staff.
Evgeni Malkin, who could possibly be starting the final year of his NHL career, gave his stamp of approval to Muse's approach at the start of training camp.
I like what I see. He's focused, he's mental, he say first meeting that everybody is even here. No superstar, no rookie, no young kids, everybody is at the same level, and everybody works hard.
-Evgeni Malkin
-Evgeni Malkin
Malkin isn't signed beyond this season, and many believe that he's preparing for retirement; though he did hint that he'd be open to potentially playing another year beyond this one.
The Penguins let go of Mike Sullivan after nearly 10 years
Sullivan, who was hired by the Penguins in 2015 after they dismissed Mike Johnston, led Pittsburgh to consecutive Stanley Cups.
He also helped to keep them in contention for the next several years, but in recent years, the club fell on lean times.
They've missed the playoffs in each of the last 3 years, and Dubas then decided that a change in leadership was necessary.
Sullivan soon resurfaced as the new head coach of the New York Rangers.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 21 | 40 ANSWERS Evgeni Malkin Shares His True Thoughts on Dan Muse Replacing Mike Sullivan Is Dan Muse the right choice for Penguins coach? | ||
| Yes | 26 | 65 % |
| No | 14 | 35 % |
| List of polls | ||