I’ll have to admit. Up until Mike Sullivan’s firing, I was less than enthused with some of the coaches rumored to be in the mix for the New York Rangers helm. At this point, almost every name under the sun has been tossed around by fans, newspapers digital outlets, and other blogs.
For me, none really stand out. I love John Tortorella and I do think he’s one of the best coaches in the game. However, being able to communicate with the media and foster relationships is a big part of getting a fair shake in this market. For all intents and purposes, it doesn’t seem he has learned his lesson.
Rick Tocchet? He’s never won anywhere at any level. Ditto Bruce Boudreau, Jack Capuano, etc. Mitch Love, Dan Muse, Michael Peca and any other assistant coach isn’t the answer either. I’m sure all of those men will get their opportunities, as will Jay Pandolfo (BU) and David Carle (Denver). However, a team that’s window to win being open, in the largest media market in the hemisphere no less, isn’t the place for a coach to cut their teeth.
Mike Sullivan should be the next Rangers coach. And aside from a few roster moves, he’s our best shot at getting this thing turned around.
1) Mike Sullivan’s approach and team concept are a fit for the Rangers
Obviously over the course of 10 seasons in Pittsburgh systems and tactics fluctuated. However, his approach and team concept remained the same. Whether it was 2016 or 2025, the Penguins came at you. They pursued the puck and kept the gaming going North.
This is something that we’ve largely been devoid of for a long time. Peter Laviolette wanted the Rangers to play this way, but would retreat into the 1-3-1 trap at the first sign of trouble. Gerard Gallant’s team also took their foot off the pedal all too often, frequently playing a more conservative 1-2-2. David Quinn also wanted to employ a more puck pursuit style, but the players didn’t really listen and eye rolled him.
If Mike Sullivan gets hired, I’ll breakdown what I think his systems will be, but until then I can guarantee you, they won’t be passive.
2) He’s one of the best bench managers in the game
Do you remember the 2021-22 series against the Penguins? Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel feasted on the Rangers in that series. Do you remember how? Part of their domination was simply how that line was deployed.
Sully was able to get hard matchups with that line against Ryan Reaves and Dryden Hunt. Talk about a mismatch. If it wasn’t for Igor being Igor and Crosby getting hurt, the Rangers wouldn’t have made it out of the first round.
As for deployment, Mike Sullivan can manage to his team’s strengths and weaknesses better than most. For example, under Sullivan, Jeff Carter was moved into more of a checking role with reduced minutes when he joined the Penguins. This was unique as Carter was known for being a shoot first offensive center. However, with a reduced role, Sully probably extended Carter’s career. I’m willing to bet that is something Drury will ask about when the topic of Mika Zibanejad comes up.
3) Mike Sullivan has a history of developing youth
Make no mistake. If Mike Sullivan gets hired to coach the New York Rangers, his remit will not be what David Quinn’s was. However, to dismiss Sullivan’s ability to develop top players would be revisionist history.
During Sullivan’s time in Pittsburgh, he gave opportunities and oversaw the development of Jake Guentzel, Olli Määttä, Brian Dumoulin, Bryan Rust, Conor Sheary, Marcus Pettersson, Sam Lafferty, the list goes on. Sure there haven’t been many prospects break through in recent years, but that’s more on the organization for only having three first round picks in the past 10 years.
4) Sullivan’s teams compete
In my opinion, one of the most important aspects to NHL coaching is how you setup your defense. Scoring goals can be manufactured to some extent, but often much of it comes down to your horses. Where coaches really earn their bread is coaching team defense.
The Penguins finished in the bottom half of the league in expected goals against twice in Mike Sullivan’s 10 seasons behind their bench. Not only is that impressive in and of itself, but also considering for how long that team has lacked depth, defensive prospects, poor goaltending, and an aged out roster. If there’s one coach that can fix our biggest issue, it’s Sully.
