Photo credit: CBS News
Mike Sullivan to Surpass Major Career Milestone Tonight
It is hard to believe that Mike Sullivan has been the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins since 2015. When he steps behind the bench tonight, he will reach a career milestone. Sullivan will coach in his 800th career game as an NHL head coach.
There is only one other current coach, Tampa Bay's Jon Cooper, who has been with one team longer. In fact, over the recent course of Sullivan's last 100 games, 13 teams have changed head coaches. That shows you the type of staying power he has in Pittsburgh.Sidney Crosby was asked about this staying power, and what it is that makes him a good fit for the group.
"He's honest and up front...and he doesn't get caught up in if you're winning or losing. It's more about the process. And he's been really consistent with that". He also adds, "And I think over the years, you have to adjust. Things change. Teams change. And I think he has done a really good job adjusting to that."
Sullivan would be the first to tell you it is about the team. But those players feel like he also has a lot to do with their winning ways.
"The organization is obviously successful. But the way he prepares his team, whether it's practice or off the ice, he's a really passionate guy," says Kris Letang on Sullivan. He added, "And just his presence, it's what I'm looking for in a coach. He's a guy who is going to push to bring the best of his guys, and that's what Sully does."
Pittsburgh is 359-204-72 with Sully as the head coach in the regular season (635 games). That is a .622 points percentage ranking fourth in the league over that time span.
With the Penguins looking at a season that could have them missing their second year in a row of missing the playoffs, that is not lost on Sullivan and the challenges of coaching.
Sullivan said,
"Those of us that are part of the coaching fraternity, you have to really love what you do because the challenges are vast and usually we're on the front lines when things don't go the right way."
Sullivan was also asked what advice he would have for a younger coach who could be in line for a head coaching position.
"Control what you can and embrace the process."
Congratuations to Mike Sullivan for coaching in his 800th game Tuesday night against the Jets.
It is not the only milestone in that game, as mentioned yesterday it will be Jake Guentzel's 500th career NHL game as well. Let's Go Pens!
As Read On: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Sully Hits Another Milestone
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February 6 | 208 answers Mike Sullivan to Surpass Major Career Milestone Tonight Do you think Mike Sullivan is one of the best head coaches the Penguins have had? | ||
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