Over the 52 years since entering the league as part of the 1967 NHL expansion, the Pittsburgh Penguins have hired 22 different Head Coaches. Some of those coaches faired extremely well, winning Championships while coaching all-time greats like Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby. Others didn’t fare quite as well during their time in Pittsburgh. Current Penguins Head Coach Mike Sullivan has seemed to earn himself something that many NHL coaches past and present have failed to find, job security. By the time all is said and done with Sullivan’s tenure in Pittsburgh, he has a chance to be known as the greatest coach in Penguins history, if he isn’t already.
While the list of legendary names is long and storied, not all legends who have coached the Pens have found success or even found stability. Two of the most important names in the United States massive Olympic upset in 1980 Herb Brooks and Craig Patrick sit tied for 20thin wins among Penguins Head Coaches. Hockey Hall of Famer Scotty Bowman had a nearly perfect tenure as the Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach.
After taking over for “Badger” Bob Johnson (we’ll get to him in a bit) Bowman led the Pens to a second consecutive Stanley Cup in the 1991-92 season. He then followed it up by leading the Penguins to their first and only Presidents’ Trophy in 1993. Bowman’s unprecedented run will probably not be touched, but the level of talent on those early 90’s teams, as well as the short amount of time at the helm, leave Bowman behind Sullivan when it comes to crowning the greatest coach.
While the argument here is for “greatest coach in Pens history” few will argue that “Badger” Bob Johnson will always be the most beloved coach in Penguins. It took only season for Johnson to capture the admiration of his players and fans alike, leading the Penguins to the promised land for the first time in the history of their franchise. If not for his untimely death in the offseason of 1991 he might have commanded the helm of the Penguins franchise for years to come, and he would’ve undoubtedly found himself high on the Penguins all-time win lists. To think he only spent 104 games, both regular and post-season, as Head Coach.
Although it may seem like his time has just begun as Penguins bench boss, Sullivan is already the third longest-tenured head coach in Penguins history at 369 regular season games. He only trails hockey legend Eddie Johnston (516) and Dan Bylsma (401). Sully also sits just 38 wins behind Byslma for the Penguins all-time wins list and just five wins behind him for the lead in all-time playoff wins.
Apart from looking at his record, the job he has done this past season alone should make him a candidate for “GOAT” status among Penguins bench bosses. Losing the likes of Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, Jake Guentzel, and many more for extended periods throughout the year, yet still having the team in seventh place in the entire league is an incredible feat. Not to mention his job in balancing netminding duties between emerging star Tristan Jarry and an inconsistent but talented Matt Murray. Many believe that Sully was well on his way to a Jack Adams Award, given to the top coach in the NHL, or at the very least a nomination. That would’ve put him in rarified air among Pittsburgh hockey coaches as only Dan Bylsma has accomplished that achievement.
Mike Sullivan has used his “just play” moto to lead Pittsburgh to two Stanley Cup Championships, as well as a 9-2 playoff series record. His ability to get the best out of his players has garnered attention throughout the league. If you need proof, look no further than the resurgence of Evgeni Malkin this year. While Sullivan can’t take all the credit, his meeting with the superstar at his offseason home in South Florida helped lead to Malkin’s dominating campaign this year.
With the buy-in from his players, a great report with General Manager Jim Rutherford and the front office, Mike Sullivan seems to be poised for an extended run as Penguins Head Coach. One that will most likely end with his name at the top of every Penguins coaching leaderboard. When all is said and done Sullivan will be known as the greatest coach in Pittsburgh Penguins history.
コメント