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Mike Sullivan discusses seeing the Penguins have success after being replaced by Dan Muse
Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
After the New York Rangers visited Pittsburgh former Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan discussed what it’s like seeing his former team succeed.
The Pittsburgh Penguins led by GM Kyle Dubas made the decision to move on from head coach Mike Sullivan this past offseason and hired Dan Muse to replace him.
Following that move, the Penguins were still expected to be a rebuilding team and were one of the few teams this offseason looking to unload players instead of adding talent.
Despite this approach the Penguins find themselves fighting for a playoff spot while the Rangers intend to start their own rebuild by trading superstar Artemi Panarin.
After the game, Sullivan spoke to the media and discussed what it was like to see his former team improve without him.
Mike Sullivan praises the Penguins for their improvement after his firing
Sullivan began by complimenting the leadership group in Pittsburgh including veterans like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang.
And so does it surprise me? No, it doesn't. I think they've done a great job as far as becoming a team, and some of the young guys they added, and some of the pieces they added along the way. When you look at the top line, they are the heartbeat of the team, and have been for a number of years.
He then praised his replacement Dan Muse for helping the group find success on the power play something that was a struggle in Sullivan’s final seasons.
All the elements are in play. Their special teams have been really good. They're getting saves. It's a good recipe.
Finally, Sullivan spoke about his current Rangers team and how he is trying to navigate such a difficult season after already falling short of lofty expectations.
We're going to keep digging in here. We're going to try to rally around one another and control what we can, and we're going to try to win the game right in front of us. It's a different situation. I'd be lying if I didn't tell you otherwise, but I think our guys have done a good job in just trying to compartmentalize their emotions. When the puck drops, they try to do their best to compete and play the game the right way.
While Sullivan is not seeing the success he hoped he does not seem to hold any grudges against the Penguins for letting him go and seems to still be very complimentary of his time in Pittsburgh.
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Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 1|127 ANSWERS Mike Sullivan discusses seeing the Penguins have success after being replaced by Dan Muse Do you think the Penguins waited too long to let go of Mike Sullivan? | ||
| Yes | 106 | 83.5 % |
| No | 21 | 16.5 % |
| List of polls | ||