Mike Sullivan Absent from Rangers’ Bench for Personal Reasons
New York Rangers coach Mike Sullivan was not present at Sunday night’s game against Detroit due to personal matters. The news of his absence was communicated by the team during the day, without offering additional details. Instead, assistants David Quinn and Joe Sacco ran the team during the 2-1 loss to the Red Wings.“I don’t have updated information at this time,” Quinn stated after the game. “Obviously, from the coaches to the players and the organization, we are thinking of Mike and his family. It’s never an easy situation when you have to take care of family.”
David QuinnQuinn explained that both he and Sacco maintained their usual roles, sharing responsibilities on the bench. Quinn took charge of the defensive formations, while Sacco handled the attacking lines.Sullivan is in his first season as the Rangers’ head coach. Quinn, for his part, held that position for three seasons, from 2018 to 2021, before being fired and replaced by Gerard Gallant. Gallant was replaced by Peter Laviolette in 2023, who was relieved after the Rangers failed to qualify for the playoffs last season. Quinn coached San Jose from 2022 to 2024 and was part of Sullivan’s team in Pittsburgh last season, before returning to New York with him. Quinn is also scheduled to be Sullivan’s assistant for the United States in the upcoming Olympics. Quinn praised Rangers goalie Jonathan Quick, who made 40 saves in the loss, bringing the Rangers to a 1-7-1 home record this season. Away from home, New York has a 9-1-1 record.“There weren’t really many changes,” Quinn stated. “It was a fluid situation.”
David Quinn“Obviously, Quickie was incredible tonight. He made huge saves,” Quinn said. “He was our best man on penalty killing.”
David Quinn
