Pittsburgh Penguins HC Mike Sullivan is next to be released

Mike Sullivan has been the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins since December 2015. For nearly a decade, Sullivan has been one of the top coaches in the NHL, winning two consecutive Stanley Cups in his first few years with the Penguins, but his recent seasons have left a lot to be desired.

The Penguins have missed the Stanley Cup playoffs in each of the last two seasons and have not won a postseason round since 2018. Many have blamed Sullivan, but despite the futility, he never found himself in the hot seat.

Heading into 2024-25, temperatures could finally rise in Sullivan. The Athletic voted and decided that Sullivan will most likely be the first coach fired this season. With 21.4% of the vote, Sullivan is tied with Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde as the coaches most likely to be unemployed.

The Penguins have had unwavering confidence in Sullivan since extending his contract to three years in 2022. The contract was signed two years earlier and only starts this season. Given that the deal had not yet begun, Sullivan’s job in Pittsburgh felt ironclad.

Penguins owner Fenway Sports Group has a close relationship with Sullivan and was instrumental in signing Sullivan to an extension. Even though the Penguins fired Ron Hextall and brought in Kyle Dubas, Sullivan always had the support of the front office.

Two straight seasons without a playoff appearance and Sidney Crosby, still playing at an elite level, has to retire in Pittsburgh.

Sullivan’s contract has begun and it’s up to him to lead the Penguins in the right direction. Dubas wants to build a winning team in Pittsburgh and believes Sullivan is the right man for the job. However, if he can’t deliver results quickly, opinions might change.

The fan base is hungry and excited for a winning team. They want one last run with the core. Sullivan must show that he is the right man to lead the way.

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