Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan drawing up a play on the whiteboard for Evgeni Malkin
Photo credit: Sportsnet

Mike Sullivan Cautions Penguins Ahead of Game Versus Red Wings

Published March 17, 2024 at 11:01 PM
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have had a very disappointing season. The players and coaching staff aren't giving up until they are mathematically eliminated though.

Sullivan Discusses Strategy Ahead of Game Versus Detroit Red Wings



Head coach Mike Sullivan discussed strategy ahead of today's game against the Red Wings, showing that the team is still focused on winning. Everyone in the organization is still focused on doing their jobs, even if making the playoffs is very unlikely at this point.

Mike Sullivan said the Penguins have to be better at defending the rush, in particular. "This is another team we're playing today that has a pretty dynamic transition game, and we just have to make sure that we don't feed it."




These games may not be meaningless for Sullivan down the stretch. While making the playoffs is more or less a dream at this point, the organization could be evaluating the coach during this tough stretch.

Penguins Head Coach In Danger Of Losing His Job



Given the way things have gone the past couple of years, Sullivan could very well be on the hot seat. The team will very likely miss the playoffs for the second year in a row despite the fact that the team has been dedicated to winning. Other coaches have been fired for far less, as some around the hockey world have pointed out.

Dan Bylsma was fired after making the playoffs in all six years as head coach and was one win away from the conference finals in his last year.

Mike Sullivan is about to miss the playoffs for the second-straight year and hasn't won a playoff series since 2018.


Sullivan's style might not be a good fit anymore for an aging Penguins team that is slower and older than ever before. As such, Kyle Dubas could very well be looking to make a change behind the bench next season. Be sure to stay tuned to see whether or not Sullivan keeps his job.

As seen on Mike Sullivan sends a warning to his players on Sunday.
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Mike Sullivan Cautions Penguins Ahead of Game Versus Red Wings

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