Sullivan Absent: Rangers Lose to Detroit for Personal Reasons

Mike Sullivan Absent from Rangers’ Bench for Personal Reasons

The 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 organization before the match, without offering further details. Instead, assistants David Quinn and Joe Sacco coached the team during the 2-1 loss to the Red Wings.

“I have no news for now. Obviously, from the coaches to the players and the organization, we are certainly thinking of Mike and his family. It’s never an easy situation when you have to take care of your family,” Quinn commented after the game.

David Quinn

Quinn explained that he and Sacco maintained their usual roles, sharing responsibilities on the bench. Quinn took charge of the defensive formations, while Sacco directed the offensive lines.

“There weren’t really many changes. It was a fluid situation,” Quinn added.

David Quinn

Sullivan is in his first season as the Rangers’ head coach. Quinn, who held that position for three seasons, from 2018 to 2021, before being replaced by Gerard Gallant, who in turn was replaced by Peter Laviolette in 2023. Laviolette was fired after the Rangers’ elimination from the playoffs last season. Quinn coached San Jose from 2022 to 2024 and worked on Sullivan’s staff in Pittsburgh last season, before returning to New York with him. Quinn also plans to be Sullivan’s assistant for the United States in the upcoming Olympics. Quinn praised Rangers goalie Jonathan Quick, who made 40 saves, despite the loss, which left the Rangers with a 1-7-1 home record this season, while they have a 9-1-1 road record.

“Obviously, Quickie was incredible tonight. He made huge saves. He was our best penalty specialist,” Quinn noted.

David Quinn