The Penguins made a bold statement in the opener, upending Sullivan's return to the Rangers. Greg Wyshynski, ESPN's senior NHL writer, reports on the intriguing dynamics of this match-up. Mike Sullivan, a former Penguins coach, found himself in an unusual position as the Rangers' new head coach, facing off against his former players, including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. The Penguins' 3-0 victory on opening night highlighted the challenge Sullivan faced in his new role. Despite the loss, Sullivan remained composed, acknowledging the team's early stage and the long road ahead. He expressed excitement about the Rangers' potential, even as he navigated the peculiar dynamics of coaching against his former players. Penguins captain Crosby shared the sentiment, noting the strange feeling of competing against Sullivan. The Penguins' triumph was also a win for new coach Dan Muse, who had previously served as an assistant under Sullivan's predecessor, Peter Laviolette. Muse's strategic decision to start Crosby, Malkin, and Letang together showcased the team's cohesion and experience. This opening-night showdown underscored the complexities of coaching against former players and the ongoing evolution of the NHL landscape.
