Too many times have the Pittsburgh Penguins appeared to be defeated before the game had even begun. There have been far too many no-shows, lingering issues, and players failing to meet their own expectations. As the Penguins’ season comes to a close, with only a slim chance of making the playoffs, coach Mike Sullivan should face some difficult decisions before remaining as Penguins coach.
Sullivan’s three-year contract extension, inked two years ago under former general manager Ron Hextall, begins next season.
Sullivan is receiving a barrage of public criticism. Losing brings it, and the Penguins have only one more win than losses this season. Sullivan is far from blameless, and the checklist for keeping or firing a bench boss is beginning to look hazy for the coach in his eighth season.
The checklist is straightforward and applicable to all coaches.
Is the coach getting the most out of the team? Is the system designed for personnel? Is the coach the correct fit for the team’s direction?
Accountability is a prominent theme throughout Sullivan’s career and future. But does he still keep his squad accountable as he always did?
External noise can be frustrating because too many hockey fans believe that sacking a coach improves player performance. Hey, the Penguins sacked Michel Therrien and won the Stanley Cup. The Penguins fired Mike Johnston and won the Stanley Cup.
That’s how it’s done, correct?
Unfortunately, that is as simplistic as it is incorrect. The New York Islanders have dropped five games in a row and are no better under coach Patrick Roy than Lane Lambert. After defeating the Penguins on Tuesday, the New Jersey Devils, under new coach Travis Green, are currently 3-5-0.
Jacques Martin has a losing record in 41 games behind the Ottawa Senators bench, while the Los Angeles Kings are just above water after 18 games under new coach Jim Hiller.
This season, only the Edmonton Oilers have improved significantly since hiring a new coach.
Time is another frequently stated myth that muddy the waters of true appraisal. The fact that Sullivan has been with the company since December 2015 has no bearing on how his work will be evaluated in 2024.
Penguins President of Hockey Operations/General Manager Kyle Dubas has staunchly defended Sullivan while avoiding mention of the feared “vote of confidence,” and his assessment of Sullivan and the issue appears sincere.
“If you don’t have (Sullivan), look for (Sullivan).” “If you have him, you should keep him,” Dubas stated during a recent team-hosted radio show.
However, when the entire season is considered, Sullivan should not be immune to the substantial number of changes Dubas conceded would be required if the Penguins were to be more competitive next season. Sullivan must address some difficult questions.
Is Sullivan getting the best out of his team?
It’s difficult to provide an honest answer because no team has been this old and attempted to remain competitive in such a long time, and no team has ever had a core together for so long. Sullivan has been the Penguins’ coach for more than eight years. He has also coached several of the same players for more than eight years.
Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin have been there from the beginning. Bryan Rust placed Sullivan in both Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Pittsburgh. The same applies to Tristan Jarry, who turned pro in 2015-16.
The first internal question that Sullivan should address is his own progress. While overall time spent on the job is not a valid justification to seek change, softening over time is. Has Sullivan matured and grown easier on the veteran players, reducing accountability and maintaining harmony while losing maximum effectiveness?
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