Sullivan Debuts with a Victory: Rangers Crush Sabres 4-0

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Mike Sullivan adds a new memory to his extensive personal hockey collection, after receiving the game puck after his first win as coach of the New York Rangers.Although it may not equal the two Stanley Cups he won during his 10 years as coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the importance of the 4-0 victory over Buffalo on Thursday night did not go unnoticed by Sullivan.

It’s an honor.

Mike Sullivan

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

I’ve said this on several occasions since I got the job, it’s an incredible honor to be the head coach of the New York Rangers, a franchise with so much history. It’s a privilege that I don’t take for granted.

Mike Sullivan

The victory was number 480 in Sullivan’s career and came two days after the Rangers suffered a 3-0 home defeat to the Penguins. Sullivan was fired by Pittsburgh after missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season, before almost immediately landing in New York following Peter Laviolette’s dismissal by the Rangers.For Sullivan, this represents a new beginning in a familiar place, after spending four seasons as an assistant with the Rangers under John Tortorella. He is now tasked with providing structure and discipline to a team that fell apart both on and off the ice, missing the playoffs last year.The victory over Buffalo was just the beginning for Sullivan, who recounted with a smile how the newly appointed captain J.T. Miller handed him the puck.

Miller joked about the length of our video meetings. But they will remain long until we agree.

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, which was sealed with two empty-net goals.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. Along with Igor Shersterkin’s performance, who made 37 saves, the Rangers closed strong, scoring three goals in the last five minutes.

I’m excited about the group of players we have here. I think there’s a certain enthusiasm around 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