Mike Sullivan: Entire Penguins roster is a game-time decision

[Canadienna]

My first interpretation was they all had some potentially dangerous illness, but I think it's just poor wording and he means the lineups are a gametime decision (I hope!)

 

[Luigi Lemieux]

I'm going to say the latter. Sullivan is an ok coach at best, and stopped being effective with the Pens shortly after the cup wins. He should have been replaced years ago.

After seeing Mike Johnston coach the team I'd say a rock could not have coached them to a cup. Coaching matters even for a stacked team. He's a good coach for a certain type of roster but can't adapt. Penguins were the fastest team in the league back then, now they might be the slowest. But he still wants to play the same way.

 

[Devilsfan2326]

My first interpretation was they all had some potentially dangerous illness, but I think it's just poor wording and he means the lineups are a gametime decision (I hope!)

Very probably right

 

[KingsFan7824]

is sullivan actually any good as a HC? or could a rock have coached those 16 and 17 cup teams?

What did Belichick do post-Brady? What's he going to do in the next place he goes without Brady?

Coaching matters when you don't have enough talent. The right game plan can squeeze out a few wins here and there. Ultimately, when all things are equal, it comes down to your very talented top players for a coach though. Every fan hates their coach for not playing the young guys, but every coach doesn't want to get fired. If he's going to go down, he would rather pin his fate to the vets. Unless the team isn't expected to do anything, and the coach knows he won't be fired any time soon for team performance, then the young guys get the ice time.

Few coaches last forever, for good reason. Most teams don't have enough really good players playing at their best at the same time, which is why every team doesn't win.

Pro sports aren't the military. A lot of players make money than the coach. Grown men. They might listen for a while, but they'll tune you out eventually. Then the next guy. And the next guy. And the next guy.

 

[Bjornar Moxnes]

is sullivan actually any good as a HC? or could a rock have coached those 16 and 17 cup teams?

Seeing how Crosby was on pace for less than 70 points under Mike Johnston, I think it's definitely more than a rock could have coached those teams to a cup...

 

[Jee]

When you're not subtle in your tank

 

[VeteranPresence]

Funny, because Sullivan’s coaching ability is on LTIR (Long Term Incompetence Reserve).

 

[Jumptheshark]

This may be the most bizarre update I've seen in a while.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1857909445751382330

reading way too much in it. It means he is just not sure who is playing with who