Latest news with #4NationsFaceoff
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Key takeaways from 1st Mike Sullivan press conference as Rangers coach, including ‘partnership' with GM Chris Drury
Not surprisingly, Mike Sullivan didn't get into many specifics during his introductory press conference as coach of the New York Rangers on Thursday. But there were certain larger themes that he emphasized. Chief among those is the partnership between him and general manager Chris Drury. Advertisement 'I'm really excited about the opportunity to build a partnership with Chris,' Sullivan said in his first public comments since being named the 38th coach in franchise history a week ago. 'I'm really excited about what we could build here moving forward that we could all be proud of.' There's already a history between the two. Sullivan and Drury each attended Boston University, though not at the same time. They played together for the United States at the World Championship. Sullivan was a Rangers assistant when Drury was captain and playing his final two seasons in the NHL. More recently they've worked on the same U.S. international teams, including the 4 Nations Faceoff when Sullivan was coach, with Drury the assistant GM. Advertisement 'One of things we talked about is the importance of the relationship between him and I … my experience has told me that the relationship between the head coach and general manager is really important. And I think that's important we work together on that relationship so that we can share the same vision and work toward the same goals,' Sullivan explained. Drury recalled how at the 1997 World Championships, he was alone on the team bus 'scared to death,' then just a college star at BU, and Sullivan, an established NHL forward, sat in the seat next to him, chatted him up on the way to the rink, and generally just made him feel a part of the team. It's that type of leadership that's served Sullivan well as an NHL head coach, where he's won two Stanley Cup championships and is the all-time winningest coach in Pittsburgh Penguins history with 409 victories. 'It's already a great relationship and I think it's only going to get better every day,' Drury stated. Advertisement Related: Mollie Walker tells us why Rangers should consider trading 'unimpressive' Alexis Lafreniere Key takeaways from Mike Sullivan introductory press conference with Rangers Aaron Doster-Imagn Images Here are some specific takeaways from what Sullivan and Drury had to say Friday. No question Mike Sullivan was Rangers top coach target This isn't a surprise, but Drury left no doubt that Sullivan was the Rangers top target as soon as the 58-year-old parted ways with the Penguins. 'The second Mike was available, we quickly and aggressively pursued him. And we're certainly thrilled that pursuit led us to this moment today, ' Drury stated. Advertisement Drury wanted to hire Sullivan ever since he became Rangers GM in 2021. And when he had the chance to finally land him on his third coaching hire, Drury wasn't going to let Sullivan get away. Though there was no discussion about Sullivan's contract, it's reportedly the richest for a coach in NHL history. Mike Sullivan shed no light on why he 'parted ways' with Penguins Not surprisingly, Sullivan avoided explaining why he 'parted ways' with the Penguins after 10 seasons behind their bench. If there are any bad feelings there, you couldn't tell because Sullivan only had good things to say about the Penguins, and often referred back to his plethora of experiences in Pittsburgh that shaped him as the coach he is today. 'I'm so appreciative of the opportunity that I had there,' he said. 'I'm grateful to everyone involved, most specifically the players there, who played extremely hard in the years that I was there.' Advertisement To his credit, Sullivan did refer to the failures in Pittsburgh, though not specifically missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs the past three seasons and not winning a playoff round since 2018. 'We had some successes there during my time, and I have that experience to draw on, what that looks like,' he explained. 'We also had disappointments. It's hard to win in this league, it takes more than talent, and we had a lot of talent with that group in Pittsburgh, and we experienced both sides.' Speaking of talent, Mike Sullivan believes Rangers have plenty of it Sullivan explained that coaching in the same division against the Rangers gives him a good read on their talent level. And that talent is one of the reasons he's so eager to take this job. Advertisement He said he has 'tons of respects for these players' and called the roster a 'really talented group' that's been 'knocking on the door' of winning a Stanley Cup. Sullivan clearly believes there's enough talent here to win, though he stated firmly, 'Talent alone doesn't win. Teams win championships.' As for the abysmal showing by the Rangers this past season which cost Peter Laviolette his job as coach and saw the Rangers miss the playoffs for the first time in four seasons, Sullivan refused to make any judgements. 'It's hard for me to comment on what's evolved here in the past. It would probably be irresponsible for me because I wasn't here,' Sullivan stated. 'All I can speak to is that we can build here moving forward. My intention is to bring the experiences that I've learned through my time coaching in the NHL, some of the insight I've gained over the years, to this experience.' Mike Sullivan already building relationships with Rangers players Sullivan provided one small nugget of information, explaining that he's spoken to nearly every player on the roster since he was officially named coach last Friday. He didn't get into specifics, instead offering that this is an opportunity for the players to get to know him a bit. Advertisement Of course, he does have relationships with some of the players. He was an assistant under John Tortorella when Chris Kreider and J.T. Miller broke into the League with the Rangers. And he coached Kreider, Miller, Vincent Trocheck and Adam Fox with the United States at the 4 Nations Faceoff. Sullivan said he learned that those four players are 'fierce competitors,' seeing how they went about their business in that international tournament in February. Asked specifically about Fox, Sullivan called the defenseman an 'elite player.' Mike Sullivan says 'no one is entitled' on Rangers When asked about how he'll approach coaching youngsters in the organization, Sullivan said that there's no set recipe for developing players. That instead each player and situation must be handled in an individual manner. Advertisement He added that 'no one is entitled' to anything and that 'every player earns it.' It sounded like he was sending a message to the veterans, not just the kids. As for naming a captain to replace Jacob Trouba, Sullivan said that's something he's yet to discuss with Drury. But he did say that in his conversations with the players, he's picked up on a 'fair amount of leadership … and character' on the roster.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
McDavid's Hockey Card Market Update; Could He Win His First Stanley Cup?
The Edmonton Oilers have the Vegas Golden Knights on the brink of elimination in the second round of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Could this be the year Connor McDavid lifts his first Stanley Cup? McDavid scored the game-winning overtime goal for Team Canada in the 4 Nations Faceoff. The 2024 Conn Smythe winner sat quietly in the locker room as the Florida Panthers lifted the Stanley Cup last season. There is not much the 2015 No. 1 overall pick has not done, besides lift the Stanley Cup. Collectors, or flippers, are setting themselves up for a possible investment opportunity. McDavid's Upper Deck Young Guns PSA 10 dipped to the $2,000 USD range when the Los Angeles Kings took a 2-0 lead over the Oilers in the first round of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. The only time to avoid investing in an Upper Deck McDavid Young Guns PSA 10 might be the hours after he wins a Stanley Cup, if that happens. Beyond that, there is never a bad time to add an Upper Deck McDavid Young Guns PSA 10 to your collection. Sharp buyers are who bought during the brief McDavid dip a couple weeks ago can flip his Upper Deck Young Guns PSA 10 for a reasonable profit. The game within the game is even if McDavid and the Oilers would have been eliminated by the Kings, his Upper Deck Young Guns PSA 10 rookie cards would have bounced back. While there may never be a bad time to invest in a McDavid Upper Deck Young Guns PSA 10, there are times that are better than others. Morale of the story, when McDavid's card prices dip, the play is to buy. Happy hunting and collecting!
France 24
02-05-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Rangers hire two-time NHL champion Sullivan as coach
The 57-year-old American was fired by the Penguins on Monday after 10 seasons with the club, which missed the playoffs the past three campaigns. Sullivan replaces Peter Laviolette, who was fired two weeks ago after two seasons with the Rangers. "Mike Sullivan has established himself as one of the premier head coaches in the NHL," Rangers general manager Chris Drury said. "As we began this process and Mike became an available option for us to speak with, it was immediately clear that he was the best coach to lead our team." The Penguins won the 2016 and 2017 NHL crowns but had not captured a playoff series since 2018 under Sullivan, who went 409-255 with 89 overtime losses during his time in Pittsburgh. "Given his numerous accomplishments throughout his coaching career -- including two Stanley Cups and leading Team USA at the international level -- Mike brings a championship-level presence behind the bench," Drury said. Drury was a player under Sullivan as coach in the 1997 world championship. The Penguins finished 34-26-12 and finished 11 points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Sullivan, set to coach the US Olympic team next year in Italy, coached the USA in the NHL's 4 Nations Faceoff in February, where the Americans lost to Canada in the final. He also served as an assistant coach for the Rangers from 2009-2013. Sullivan's overall NHL coaching record with Pittsburgh and Boston is 479-311-112 with 15 ties, making him sixth in wins among active NHL coaches. His hiring leaves four NHL teams still searching for a had coach -- Anaheim, Pittsburgh, Seattle and Vancouver.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Maple Leafs scratches trying to stay positive amid team playoff hype
It had to be one of the hardest practices of the season for Max Pacioretty, David Kampf and Ryan Reaves to get through. No one likes to be an understudy when the curtain is raised on opening night of the playoffs and there's a buzz in the city. The veteran trio have to suck it up for now. 'It's not about my situation, it's about the team's,' said a reserved Pacioretty. 'Professionals always prepare like you're playing. 'We finished the season really strong, put ourselves in a good opportunity to start at home and it's a new season right now. Since the 4 Nations Faceoff, we have one of the best records in hockey. You want to take that momentum into playoffs.' It was during the 4 Nations break that the 36-year-old Pacioretty hurt himself in training. Kampf's prowess on faceoffs has been valued in 18 playoff games through two years, but Pontus Holmberg, newcomer Scott Laughton and Max Domi all filled that role and provided offence, too. Warhorse Reaves, who cleared waivers a few weeks ago and spent a few weeks with the Marlies, scoring once in three games, is not expected to play in the series after being recalled Friday. 'I have to stay ready, whether or not the opportunity comes,' he said. Lhornby@ X:@sunhornby
Fox Sports
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Fox Sports
Canada's American soccer coach blasts President Trump's 'insulting' 51st state talk
The American coach of Canada's mens national soccer team has a message for President Trump. "If I have one message to our president, it's lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state," Jesse Marsch said on Wednesday in Los Angeles ahead of next month's Concacaf Nations League finals. "As an American, I'm ashamed of the arrogance and disregard that we've shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies." Marsch, an assistant coach with the U.S. men's national team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the only United States-born bench boss to lead teams in the UEFA Champions League, England's Premier League and the German Bundesliga, was responding to a question about the politically charged atmosphere that surrounded the National Hockey League's 4 Nations Faceoff tournament earlier this month. Since being inaugurated in January, Trump has on multiple occasions said that he'd like to see Canada become part of the U.S., even if that means using what he called "economic force" to make it happen. That, and the possibility of a 25-percent tariff on Canadian goods crossing the northern border, has infuriated Canadians, some of whom have taken to booing the American national anthem at sporting events across the nation of 40 million. The political subtext helped turn the NHL's inaugural 4 Nations Faceoff into a must-watch mainstream event on both sides of the border, as more than 16 million total viewers watched Canada beat the U.S. in overtime in last week's thrilling final in Boston. Marsch, whose Canadian team could meet the U.S. men in the March 23 Nations League final at SoFi Stadium, made it clear on Wednesday that he wanted to address the issue head-on. He said his players now have even more motivation to win the title, adding that he finds Trump's discourse about annexing Canada "unsettling and frankly insulting." The Americans beat the Reds 2-0 in the 2023 Nations League finale in Las Vegas. The USMNT is the competition's three-time defending champion, having also lifted the silverware in 2021 and last year. "These international tournaments for Canada mean something different now," said March, who took over Canada's men's program last May, a year after he was fired as manager of then-Premier League club Leeds United. "Canada is a strong, independent nation that's deep-rooted in decency, and it's a place that values high ethics and respect — unlike the polarized, disrespectful and often now hate-fueled climate that's in the U.S. "People really believe that their differences make them stronger," the 51-year-old Wisconsin native continued. "Almost all are first and second generation Canadians, coming from different heritages and cultures. "But they are uniquely incredibly proud to be Canadian, to represent their country, to give everything to the love that they have for each other and playing for their country," added Marsch, who was a finalist for the USMNT job in 2023. Canada will co-host the 2026 World Cup along with the U.S. and Mexico as soccer's marquee competition expands from 32 to 48 teams. The Canadians qualified for the 2022 World Cup in style to break a three-decade-long absence from the biggest event in global sports, topping the Concacaf region that includes all of North and Central America and the Caribbean en route to Qatar. That success turned Canada into a legitimate rival for the Americans, which lost to Marsch's side in a September friendly in Kansas City — its first defeat on home soil against the Reds since 1957. Canada will face Mexico on March 20 in the first Nations League semifinal. The USMNT takes on Panama later that night, with the winners meeting in the title match three days later. Despite its stunning group stage exit at last summer's Copa América (where Canada almost as shockingly reached the final four before losing to Lionel Messi and eventual champion Argentina), the USMNT is the favorite to retain the Nations trophy next month. The Americans have gone 5-1 under star Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino since the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager debuted in October. Still, Marsch promised that his team will be ready. "I know this will fuel them," he said. Doug McIntyre is a soccer writer for FOX Sports who has covered the United States men's and women's national teams at FIFA World Cups on five continents. Follow him at @ByDougMcIntyre . FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Canada CONCACAF Nations League FIFA Men's World Cup Get more from FIFA Men's World Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
