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Pittsburgh Penguins: Top 5 Coaches in Team History

Jan 20, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan looks on from behind the players bench against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 7-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan looks on from behind the players bench against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 7-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 26, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A general view of the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Flyers won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A general view of the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Flyers won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

5: Ivan Hlinka

Record: 42-32-9

Ivan Hlinka’s coaching career with the Penguins was short, but still sweet. Hired for the 2000-01 season, he took the Penguins to a 42-28-9 record which was good enough for third in the Atlantic division.

This may not seem that decent, but Hlinka’s real accomplishments came in the playoffs. With a returning Mario Lemieux on his roster, he guided his team to a surprising Eastern Conference Finals run before they were eliminated by the New Jersey Devils.

The next season only saw Hlinka coach four games for the Penguins amid controversy between him and Mario Lemieux. Despite this, the one full season that Hlinka coached was definitely a memorable one that illustrated his strong coaching skills.

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