NHL: Pittsburgh Penguins at Florida Panthers - Source: Imagn — Penguins coach Mike Sullivan is under scrutiny after team's poor performance (Credit: IMAGN)

"Dubas may not have an option" - NHL insider believes Penguins' Mike Sullivan on hot seat after sluggish start

Modified Oct 31, 2024 15:47 GMT

The Pittsburgh Penguins are off to a disappointing start this season, putting coach Mike Sullivan under scrutiny. The team is last in the Metropolitan Division standings. The Penguins' recent losing streak of six games is fueling speculation about Sullivan’s job security. The Penguins have a 3–7–1 record and just one home win.

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now said on October 30th's column:

"Now, it’s about urgency. Of course, if the losing continues, general manager Kyle Dubas may not have an option, either."

Kingerski pointed to the recent losses and poetically explained that Sullivan's job is uncertain.

"Before any coaching change, there begins a soft, almost impercetible drumbeat that eventually grows louder and louder until the move becomes inevitable." Kingerski said. " For the first time, those drums can be heard around Sullivan and the Penguins."

The Penguins’ struggles include a shutout 4–0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers and a 5–3 defeat to the Minnesota Wild. Pittsburgh has allowed 47 goals while scoring only 33, a -14 scoring differential. Its latest loss to Minnesota was bittersweet, as it might be the last home appearance for former Penguins star goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.

The urgency for the Penguins and Mike Sullivan to win

Some Pittsburgh Penguins players still put up good numbers despite the team’s overall difficulties. Evgeni Malkin leads with 14 points, including 11 assists. Rickard Rakell has six goals, the most on the team, and Marcus Pettersson has shown physical play with 15 penalty minutes. However individual efforts have not been enough to help the team win games.

The Penguins’ poor performance contrasts that of the New Jersey Devils, who lead the division with 16 points. Pittsburgh has just seven points, putting it well behind in the standings. General manager Kyle Dubas may face increased pressure to consider a coaching change if the team slumps.

Mike Sullivan, who led the Penguins to two Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, hasn't guided the team past the first round of the playoffs since 2018. Dubas, who joined as GM last year, may need to make changes if Sullivan cannot turn things around soon. The Penguins should improve their defense, find scoring consistency and work together to get back on track.