Mike Sullivan Celebrates His First Victory with the Rangers
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Mike Sullivan added a new memory to his personal hockey collection after earning his first win as coach of the New York Rangers. Although this victory doesn’t equal the two Stanley Cups he won during his ten years as coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the importance of the 4-0 win over Buffalo on Thursday night was evident to Sullivan.This victory represents the 480th in Sullivan’s career. The achievement came two days after the Rangers suffered a 3-0 home defeat to the Penguins. Sullivan, fired by Pittsburgh after missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season, quickly found a new home in New York, after the Rangers dismissed Peter Laviolette. Sullivan is enjoying a fresh start in a familiar place, after having worked four seasons as an assistant to John Tortorella with the Rangers. Now, he is tasked with bringing structure and discipline to a team that fell apart both on and off the ice, preventing them from qualifying for the playoffs last year. The victory against Buffalo was just the beginning for Sullivan, who humorously recalled how the newly appointed captain J.T. Miller handed him the puck.It’s an honor. I’ve said on several occasions since getting the job that 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
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. Adding to Igor Shesterkin’s 37 saves, the Rangers closed strong, scoring three goals in the last five minutes.Miller joked about the length of our video meetings. But they will continue to be long until we are on the same page.
Mike Sullivan
I’m excited about the group of players we have here. I think there’s some excitement 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
