Sullivan Celebrates First Rangers Win: Analysis and Details

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Mike Sullivan now has a new keepsake for his personal hockey collection, after getting the win in his debut as coach of the New York Rangers.Although it doesn’t compare to the two Stanley Cups he won during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the 4-0 victory over Buffalo on Thursday night was significant for Sullivan.

It’s an honor.

Mike Sullivan

Sullivan, originally from Massachusetts and the only U.S.-born coach to win at least two Cups, expressed his gratitude.

I have said on several occasions since getting the job that it is an incredible honor to be the coach of the New York Rangers, a franchise with so much history.

Mike Sullivan

The victory was Sullivan’s 480th in his career, and it came two days after the Rangers lost 3-0 at home to the Penguins. Sullivan was fired by Pittsburgh after failing to qualify for the playoffs for a third consecutive season, before being hired by the Rangers, who fired Peter Laviolette.Sullivan seeks a fresh start in a familiar place, after spending four seasons as an assistant with the Rangers under John Tortorella. He is now tasked with bringing structure and discipline to a team that crumbled both on and off the court, missing the opportunity to reach the playoffs last year.The victory over Buffalo was just the beginning for Sullivan, who recalled with a smile how the newly appointed captain J.T. Miller handed him the game puck.

Miller joked about how long our video meetings are.

Mike Sullivan

Although there is still much work to be done, Sullivan was impressed by his team’s response after a lackluster performance against Pittsburgh.On Thursday, the Rangers outplayed the Sabres for much of the first period, building a 1-0 lead thanks to Alex Lafreniere’s goal at 11:43. Adding to Igor Shersterkin’s 37 saves, the Rangers closed strong with three goals in the last five minutes.

I’m excited about the group of players we have here. I think there’s some excitement on the team right now from the first day of training camp. It’s tangible, we can feel it. And I think we’re building a relationship with the players right now that will be significant in the future.

Mike Sullivan