Pittsburgh Penguins: First Look at New Coach Mike Sullivan

The Pittsburgh Penguins fired head coach Mike Johnston earlier today, while simultaneously announcing the hiring of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton head coach Mike Sullivan. Who is Sullivan and what can Penguins fans expect from the new head coach?

The Mike Johnston era is over for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

After just 110 games and compiling a 58-37-15 record, Johnston and assistant coach Gary Agnew have been relieved of their duties according to a statement on the Penguins official website.

The Penguins have hired Mike Sullivan, a former NHL coach with the Boston Bruins, who was serving as the head coach of the Penguins American Hockey League affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Let’s take a look at Sullivan’s experience and style, and what his hiring could mean for the Pens.

Resume

Sullivan was drafted in the 4th round of the 1987 NHL draft by the New York Rangers. He played professionally for the San Jose Sharks, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, and Phoenix Coyotes. He amassed a career total of 136 points with 54 goals and 82 assists, including 16 shorthanded goals.

Mike Sullivan immediately went into coaching following his retirement in 2002. He began as the coach of the Bruins AHL affiliate and achieved immediate success. He was hired by the Boston Bruins the following year and led the 2003-04 Bruins to a Northeast Division Title.

The league did not play due to the labor dispute in 2004-05, but Sullivan returned for the 2005-06 season. However, Sullivan struggled and was fired after a disappointing last place finish in the Northeast Division.

Sullivan was not out of work for long. He became an assistant under John Tortorella with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2007. In 2009 he followed John Tortorella to New York and then followed him again to Vancouver in 2013.

He also spent time in the Chicago Blackhawks organization before being hired to coach the WBS Penguins this past summer.

“There’s a little more freedom to play offense. (Sullivan) wants us to make plays and get pucks to the net, so it’s good for us.” – Conor Sheary

Style

Mike Sullivan is a coach who will likely emphasize speed and conditioning with the Pittsburgh Penguins. An article from the Citizens’ Voice highlighted what Sullivan wanted out of the Pens AHL affiliate. He said he wanted the team to play fast and that he liked theme based practices, including work on breakouts and physically demanding drills.

Sullivan showcases a more up-tempo style than his predecessor. In an interview with Tom Venesky of the Times Leader, Pens prospect Conor Sheary noted that with Sullivan “there’s a little more freedom to play offense. (Sullivan) wants us to make plays and get pucks to the net, so it’s good for us.”

Those comments will be very welcome to the ears of Pittsburgh Penguins faithful after watching the team’s offense slump under Mike Johnston.

Sullivan’s time as an AHL coach for Boston and Pittsburgh, combined with his stint as a player development coach with the Chicago Blackhawks should make him an effective teacher. This could prove to be very beneficial as he works to implement his system mid-season.

He has spent a large part of his coaching career under the tutelage of John Tortorella. Sullivan has said that he has learned a lot from Tortorella, including how to handle star players. It is likely that Sullivan will bring some of Tortorella’s style to the Pittsburgh bench as well.

Impact

If nothing else, the change of scenery from the Johnston Era should help in revitalizing the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, Mike Sullivan is a more than capable coach. He has had success in the NHL and his WBS Penguins currently lead the Atlantic Division at 18-5-0.

More from Pens Labyrinth

It is also possible that we will finally see more of Daniel Sprong. Sprong, the Pens first selection (in the second round) from the 2015 NHL Draft has had some good moments this season, but found himself in Johnston’s doghouse.

Sprong’s lack of playing time was one of the main points of contention between General Manager Jim Rutherford and now ex-head coach Mike Johnston.

We may also see talented young defenseman Derrick Pouliot get called up. The Pens defensive unit could use some improvement and Pouliot has performed well early in the season for Sullivan in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Sullivan’s experience with the Penguins AHL affiliate could prove helpful as injuries occur as well. Should he have to call on any Wilkes-Barre/Scranton players during the season, both the players and the head coach can be confident knowing the systems will be similar and that Sullivan has good familiarity with whomever he is calling up.

Next: Pittsburgh Penguins Fire Mike Johnston

The Penguins clearly needed this coaching change. The team appeared lifeless and was obviously not meeting expectations. Hopefully Sullivan can provide a shot in the arm and breathe life into this highly talented Penguins team.

History may be on Pittsburgh’s side. The last time the Penguins hired their AHL coach mid-season, Dan Bylsma led the Pittsburgh Penguins to the 2009 Stanley Cup.

Hopefully Mike Sullivan can achieve similar results with this year’s club.

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