Wow. That sure didn’t take long, did it?
Talk about a whirlwind courtship! The ink on Mike Sullivan’s divorce papers from the Penguins had barely dried when the former black-and-gold skipper agreed to coach the Rangers, not that it comes as any great surprise.
What’s more, it’s rumored former Rangers bench boss John Tortorella might be joining Sully in the Big Apple as an assistant. To digress, Sully served as a top assistant under Torts with the Rangers from 2009 through 2013.
My personal, unvarnished take?
Looking beyond the surface, I really don’t see this as a great fit, or frankly, the best opportunity for Sullivan. In my mind, I picture him leading a young, fast team like the Devils or Senators, not that either of those clubs has an opening.
In fact, the Rangers’ situation sorta kinda reminds me of the Pens. Their top stars are aging—in particular Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider experienced considerable fades last season. What’s more, the Blueshirts have failed miserably to develop young talent, trading off the likes of Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kaako, while former No. 1 overall pick Alexis Lafrenière has fallen far short of early expectations.
Mix in the fact that top forward prospect Brennan Othmann managed all of two assists in 22 games? Hot-shot former first-rounder Gabriel Perreault aside, it isn’t an organization burgeoning with ready-made youthful replacements.
While Rangers’ ownership has deep pockets and will no doubt pursue the types of players Sully prefers, will their aging wheels allow them to execute his preferred speed game? Too, the Rags traditionally like a little mustard on their hot dog, while our former skipper’s notoriously squeamish when it comes to employing tough guys.
Matt Rempe, meet your new boss.
Oddly, although he signed on with a Metro rival, I don’t wish Sully bad luck. However, there could be considerable egg dripping from the faces of all involved before all is said and done.
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Rick
I am genuinely interested to see whether Kempe will ever play under Coach Sullivan. It is highly likely that Sullivan would attempt to guide him away from the more combative aspects of his playing style. Additionally, it will be noteworthy to observe how he manages the development of the other young players on the Rangers’ roster. Given the current composition of the team, one could argue that Sullivan may not have been the most suitable choice for head coach.
Rags fans already kvetch as it is about K'Andre Miller and his bad pinches and lack of sensible acumen, just imagine him in Sullys system. Igor better be on his game.
Hey Jim,
Amen to Shesterkin needing to be in Vezina form.
The Rangers' MO over the past several seasons was basically to hold the line 5v5 and beat you with their power play and, of course, Shesterkin's exceptional goaltending. However, this season the power play struggled and Shesterkin's numbers suffered as well.
Under Sullivan, the Pens were generally good 5v5, at least from a process standpoint, and porous as hell on the back end. It will, indeed, be interesting to see how Shesterkin holds up if the Rangers' d start pinching without discretion.
Rick
Not out of malice but greed Rick, as I mentioned to Mike, I do hope he falls flat on his face. I am hoping NYR thinks this is the puzzle piece and keeps their first round pick this year, giving us next years pick, believing they will be better; then tank giving our Pens extra 1st round chances at McKenna. Other than that, I no longer care enough to waste energy.