Monthly Archives: April 2025

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Three Paths The Pittsburgh Penguins Can Take In Their Coaching Search

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Rick Tocchet and Mike Sullivan (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

The Pittsburgh Penguins opened up a particularly appealing job after parting with coach Mike Sullivan on Monday. 

After all, who wouldn’t want to be behind the bench coaching icon Sidney Crosby? 

In any case, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has three distinct roads to move forward on as the team’s transitional period continues following its third straight playoff miss. The coaching choice Dubas makes will dictate the competitive road he chooses. 

With that in mind, here are three potential paths for the Penguins to take – and three potential coaches for each of those roads.

Path 1: Return The Penguins To The Playoffs And Stanley Cup Contention ASAP

“You can hope in one hand and s— in the other, and see which one fills up first,” Dubas said to reporters at the end-of-season press conference, seemingly shooting down the notion of a long and full rebuild.

That would almost certainly mean the Penguins will be aiming for a retool this summer. It could also mean the next coach will have lots of experience and be highly demanding, focusing on wins over learning and developing.

Dubas’ options for a veteran bench boss include Rick Tocchet, John Tortorella and Peter Laviolette. Tocchet parted with the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday and is now a free agent.

Tortorella, meanwhile, was fired by the Philadelphia Flyers, and the New York Rangers fired Laviolette. They are still widely respected coaches with a track record of success, and their pedigree could be appealing for Dubas as he tries to get his team back in the playoff mix right away.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Parting With Mike Sullivan Is The Best Thing For ThemThe Pittsburgh Penguins Parting With Mike Sullivan Is The Best Thing For ThemThe Pittsburgh Penguins kind of, sort of, tried it Mike Sullivan's way. Not only were they not good enough to contend for a Stanley Cup, but they weren't good enough to contend for a playoff spot.

Path 2: Keep Pittsburgh Competitive During A Transitional Period

In his press conference announcing the end of Sullivan’s tenure, Dubas talked about a period of transition, which suggests perhaps choosing a coach with either experience as an assistant or head coach. While Sullivan previously coached the Boston Bruins, he spent years as an assistant coach and AHL coach before getting a chance as an NHL bench boss again in Pittsburgh.

That could lead to the Penguins taking a chance on someone whose name may not immediately jump out as a front-runner, and who could currently be working on a team still in this year’s playoffs.

For instance, current Toronto Maple Leafs associate coach Lane Lambert has experience running a team from his time with the New York Islanders. This year, Lambert has had success running Toronto’s penalty kill. 

Current Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love has also been speculated to be in the running for multiple NHL jobs. And longtime Carolina Hurricanes assistant coach Jeff Daniels has had great success with the team, including a Cup championship in 2006. Any of those three choices could step in for Pittsburgh and get them through this transitional stage.

Path 3: Focus On Developing The Penguins’ Younger Players And Next Core

Dubas may ultimately decide the Penguins should be focused on teaching the team’s youngsters and grooming the incoming core of the organization. There are numerous options out there if that’s the approach Dubas and the franchise want to take.

For example, current University of Denver coach David Carle is highly regarded as a teacher who has thrived working with young players. Carle may have his pick of a number of NHL jobs, but the chance to work with Crosby while at the same time developing Pittsburgh’s prospects may be especially appealing.

Elsewhere, current Boston Bruins assistant coach Jay Leach worked with Sullivan at the AHL level and was part of the Penguins organization before moving on to a solid coaching career in the AHL and NHL. 

Veteran coach Brad Shaw, who served as the Flyers’ interim coach after Tortorella was fired, could step in for the Pens and be a teacher for the foreseeable future if the Flyers don’t make him the permanent coach. One of those three could have at least a couple of years implementing a program that’d help Dubas build a new core for the long term.

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Experienced NHL Coaches Who Could Replace Canucks’ Rick Tocchet

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Mar 22, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette speaks with the media after a 5-3 win against the Vancouver Canucks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

With news breaking yesterday that Rick Tocchet will not be returning to the Vancouver Canucks next season, speculation now turns to who could replace him. As it stands, some frontrunners for this job are former Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Jay Woodcroft and current Abbotsford Canucks Head Coach Manny Malhotra. Let’s take a look at some other more-experienced NHL coaches who could replace Tocchet in 2025–26. 

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Not Mike Sullivan 

While speculation about Mike Sullivan joining the Canucks ran at an all-time high on Monday when he and the Pittsburgh Penguins parted ways, Vancouver’s President of Hockey Operations, Jim Rutherford, confirmed otherwise during Tuesday’s press conference. 

“I know my good friend, Mike Sullivan, does not want to leave the east. He’s a real good family man. I talked to him yesterday, not about coming here, but talked to him when he left Pittsburgh, and I know he wants to stay in the east.” 

Peter Laviolette 

With experience as an NHL Head Coach since the 2001–02 season to now, Peter Laviolette could easily be in consideration for the role of Canucks Head Coach. He parted ways with the New York Rangers on April 19, only two seasons after joining the team. Laviolette got his start as an NHL Head Coach with the New York Islanders before ending up with the Carolina Hurricanes for five seasons. Rutherford was the Hurricanes’ General Manager during all five of these years. Together, the duo won a Stanley Cup in 2006. 

“We had some success together. I like him as a person and a coach. Haven’t got that far yet, but certainly having someone you’re familiar with helps,” Rutherford said of his experience with Laviolette. He later specified that Patrik Allvin would be the one primarily dealing with the next Head Coach, meaning they would have to find someone he would fit best with. 

“I wouldn’t want to take him off the list at this point. He’s had a lot of success in the league, and it’s a good name.” 

While Laviolette is a popular name that Rutherford is familiar with, realistically, the way he coaches may not fit with the Canucks’ future. Laviolette’s aversion to playing younger players — something that came up during his time with the Rangers — won’t work well with a depth system filled with youth.  

Gerard Gallant

Another former Rangers Head Coach, Gerard Gallant’s last NHL coaching gig was during the 2022–23 regular season. Since then, he has coached a 2024–25 Team Canada roster to a semifinal loss during the Spengler Cup. His coaching record has been impressive as of late, with his past three coaching stints resulting in points percentages of .583, .601, and .662. 

“I’m waiting, I’m hoping, you know, if something comes up,” Gallant said in an interview with NHL.com back in January 2024. “Obviously, I’d like to be coaching again in the National Hockey League but we’ll see. I haven’t talked to anybody, and I’m not waiting by the phone. If the phone rings, I’ll be very happy, but I’m not sitting, waiting.” 

Stylistically, Gallant has been referred to as a players coach, with former Rangers Captain Jacob Trouba emphasizing that “He’s a guy that players respect [ . . . ] and enjoy playing for.” However, one issue that has popped up for him during his four tenures as an NHL Head Coach is that he has been outcoached when his team needs it. Whether this would impact the 2025–26 Canucks or not is something that is yet to be determined — after all, most of Gallant’s downfalls have stemmed from difficult playoff losses. With that being said, Gallant could be a great coach to help the Canucks get back on their feet after such a lopsided season. 

Jay Woodcroft

As mentioned, Woodcroft is yet another favourite to become the Canucks’ next Head Coach based on bets from PlayNow.com. His first stint as an NHL Head Coach was with the Oilers, where he coached for around a year and a half. Before this, he was the Head Coach of Edmonton’s AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. Early on in his NHL coaching career, he spent three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings as a Video Coach and seven with the San Jose Sharks as an Assistant. 

Like Gallant, Woodcroft has faced issues regarding coaching adaptability. This is something that would likely come into play more-so in playoffs rather than the regular season, but at the end of the day, Vancouver wants to be a postseason team — not a regular season one. Woodcroft may be better suited for a younger team like the Chicago Blackhawks rather than the Canucks. 

John Tortorella

This would be the most chaotic option for the Canucks, and is definitely the most unlikely on this list. John Tortorella spent one season with Vancouver, 2013–2014, and was let go after it despite signing with the team for five years. Regardless of how he was perceived, former Canucks such as Kevin Bieksa have spoken positively of his coaching style. 

Since departing from the Canucks, Tortorella has split time with the Columbus Blue Jackets (2015–2021) and the Philadelphia Flyers (2022–2025). Throughout the 2024–25 season, he had made headlines for benching some of the Flyers’ young stars — something that isn’t unexpected of him. Tortorella’s coaching style is aggressive and long-standing, as his NHL Head Coach career spans 22 seasons. 

As successful as Tortorella’s coaching may be in some locker rooms, Vancouver is probably not the best fit for it next season. The Canucks are coming off a very unsteady season, with many players’ futures with the franchise still up in the air. Their best bet for success is to bring someone in who can help stabilize the room with familiarity. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

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Top 10 Winningest Head Coaches In Penguins History Ft. Mike Sullivan

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There have been only 22 head coaches in the history of the Pittsburgh Penguins, with Mike Sullivan serving as the most recent and longest-tenured coach from 2015 to 2025. As expected, Sullivan has coached the most games, winning the most and losing the most. 

Overall, all 22 head coaches have won more than ten games, and every one of them has lost at least 20. Moreover, 13 coaches have compiled a winning record, and 16 of them have led the Penguins in the playoffs. 

Today, we will look at the top 10 winningest coaches in Pittsburgh history, which dates back to 1967. 

10. Ken Schinkel (83-92-28) 1973-1977

Ken Schinkel was the third Penguins head coach, succeeding Hall of Famer Red Kelly, who was the team's winningest coach with 90 victories from 1970 to 1973. However, Schinkel didn't run the bench for four consecutive seasons; instead, he split his time from 1972 to 1974 and again from 1975 to 1977, with Marc Boileau serving as head coach for 151 games from 1973 to 1976.

9. Ken Constantine (86-64-35) 1998-2000

Kevin Constantine took over the Penguins following Mario Lemieux's first retirement in 1997. He still had Jaromir Jagr in his lineup, but the club didn't advance past the second round during his tenure, and he lasted only 25 games into the 1999-2000 campaign.

8 Possible Replacements For Mike Sullivan As Penguins Head Coach8 Possible Replacements For Mike Sullivan As Penguins Head CoachWith the shocking news that the Pittsburgh Penguins and longtime coach Mike Sullivan have mutually agreed to part ways, it comes as no surprise that one of the first talking points is who will be the one replace him.

8. Bob Berry (88-127-25-28) 1985-1987

Bob Berry arrived in Pittsburgh in 1985 after spending three seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. Despite having a 19-year-old Lemieux in the lineup, the Penguins won a total of 88 games over three seasons at the helm, never finishing higher than fifth in the division.

7. Red Kelly (90-132-52) 1970-1973

As an eight-time Stanley Cup champion, Kelly was the second head coach in Penguins history and became the first one to win over 90 games. Moreover, Kelly was the first bench boss to lead the franchise to the playoffs, a six-game first-round loss to the St. Louis Blues. 

6. Johnny Wilson (91-105-44) 1977-1980

In only 240 games, Johnny Wilson established the franchise record for most head coach wins with 91. Additionally, he helped the Penguins to the playoffs in two of his three seasons, becoming the first to lead them to back-to-back appearances in 1979 and 1980.

Scotty Bowman -  Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

5. Scotty Bowman (95-53-16) 1992-1993

Scotty Bowman was already a legend when he came to Pittsburgh to serve with Bob Johnson in 1990. After taking over for Johnson in late 1991, Bowman guided the Penguins to their second consecutive Stanley Cup title. Then, in 1992-93, he guided the franchise to its first 100-point campaign, while establishing an NHL record for 17 straight wins. Bowman also set a record with 56 wins, the most in a single season.

4. Michel Therrien (135-105-32) 2006-2009

At the time of his employment, from 2006 to 2009, Michel Therrien became only the second head coach in Penguins history to win over 100 games, finishing his tenure with 135 wins. Despite having Sidney Crosby on his bench, Pittsburgh didn't win the Stanley Cup in 2008, and he was fired before the club returned to the 2009 Final to win it all.

3. Eddie Johnston (232-224-60) 1980-1983, 1993-1997

Eddie Johnston was the Penguins' winningest coach for a long time, compiling 232 wins over two tenures, each lasting three and a half seasons. Despite his time as head coach, Johnston will always be remembered for his tenure as general manager, from 1983 to 1988, when he drafted Lemieux first overall in 1984. 

Dan Bylsma - Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

2. Dan Bylsma (252-117-32) 2009-2014

In only five seasons, Dan Bylsma became the Penguins' winningest coach, surpassing Johnston's record by 20 victories. He won the Stanley Cup in 2009 and helped Pittsburgh to the 2013 Eastern Conference Final. Moreover, Bylsma is the only head coach in team history to compile two 50-plus win seasons, giving him the franchise record for highest points percentage at .668.

1. Mike Sullivan (409-255-89) 2015-2025

It will take a special head coach to surpass Sullivan as the winningest coach in Penguins history. Not only did he surpass Bylsma's record by 157 victories, but he is also the only coach to win 300 and 400 games. Meanwhile, Sullivan coached 753 games, surpassing Bylsman's total by 352 games, an equivalent of four and a half seasons. 

Revisiting Mike Sullivan's Milestone Wins With PenguinsRevisiting Mike Sullivan's Milestone Wins With PenguinsMike Sullivan is the winningest coach in Pittsburgh Penguins history, finishing his ten-year tenure behind the bench with a 409-255-89 record in 753 games. Those totals don't include his postseason numbers, which are 44-38 in 82 games, including two Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017.

Considering Sullivan ranks 15th all-time in NHL history for wins with a single franchise, and is the only head coach to lead the Penguins to two Stanley Cup titles, his legacy in the Steel City is almost untouchable. 

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The Schenn Brothers' First NHL Playoff Meeting Became An Epic Battle Between Jets And Blues

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Luke Schenn (James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images)

If you’re a parent, which is worse: having to choose between your boys’ NHL playoff series, or watching them square off against each other?

Jeff and Rita Schenn are finding out, as their sons Luke and Brayden Schenn battle it out in the first-round playoff series between the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues.

After the Blues chased Connor Hellebuyck twice in St. Louis and recorded a pair of wins, the series is all square at 2-2. Game 5 goes Wednesday, back in Winnipeg (9:30 p.m. ET).

Born less than two years apart, Luke and Brayden both hit the 1,000-game milestone this season – just the eighth set of brothers in NHL history to get the silver stick honor. 

Now into their 30s, they were both fifth-overall draft picks who have become Stanley Cup champions. 

Luke Schenn, the defenseman, went first to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008. He won his Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021. Brayden Schenn, the center, went to the Los Angeles Kings one year later. His Cup came in his second season with the Blues, in 2019, and he became the team’s captain in 2023.

Two months ago, Jeff and Rita were probably mapping out very different plans for this time of year. At the February break for the 4 Nations Face-Off, Luke’s Nashville Predators were mired in 30th place in the NHL standings, and Brayden’s Blues were below .500 – eight points out of a Western Conference wild-card spot. 

Leading up to the March 7 NHL trade deadline, Brayden Schenn was rumored to be available, but the asking price would be sky high. There was even some chatter that perhaps the brothers could be a package deal for the right organization.

On March 5, Luke was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Two days later, his seventh playoff run became a near-certainty when he was flipped onto the league-leading Jets. 

As for Brayden Schenn, he stayed put after the Blues went 5-1-1 out of the break. 

“I give the guys a ton of credit, GM Doug Armstrong told reporters on deadline day. “The players tell us what we’re supposed to do, and to their credit, they've really played fantastic hockey right now.”

Given the Blues’ baked-in, never-say-die mentality, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that they were able to level the series on home ice after dropping the first two games in Winnipeg. So far, Jordan Binnington’s nine goals against and .907 save percentage are easily besting Vezina favorite Hellebuyck. He has given up 15 goals, sits at .817, and was pulled in the third period of Game 3 and Game 4 – but remains unfazed.

“You don’t love giving up that many goals, but we’re 2-2 in the series,” Hellebuyck said Monday. “That’s all that matters. Win the next one. Am I going to be better? I am going to be better.”

The Schenn brothers have also played noticeable roles in the playoffs.

Luke has been providing steady third-pair minutes and plenty of muscle, just as coach Scott Arniel would have hoped. Averaging 16:00 a game, he leads the Jets with 20 hits and, thanks to 10-minute misconducts in both Game 1 and Game 4, leads the entire playoffs with 30 penalty minutes.

The 35-year-old also picked up an assist in the Jets’ 5-3 series-opening win. And even though he finished at minus-2 in Game 3 and Game 4, the Jets have dominated play when he has been on the ice, controlling over 55 percent of expected goals at 5-on-5 according to naturalstattrick.com. 

As for Brayden, he picked up his first points of the series in Game 4, with a goal and an assist in the Blues’ 5-1 win. He’s centering a high-octane line with Jake Neighbours and Jordan Kyrou, averaging 16:31 a game, and also has two misconducts already – from Game 1 and Game 3.

For the series, Brayden’s advanced stats aren’t great, with an expected goals share of 43.34 percent. But he was much better on home ice, at 55.70 percent.

Per the NHL, the Schenns are the sixth set of brothers to go head-to-head in a playoff series in the last 20 years. We saw it last season, too, when Ryan Lindgren’s New York Rangers swept Charlie Lindgren’s Washington Capitals in Round 1.

In the past, we’ve seen some parents try to Frankenstein jerseys together to show their loyalty. Mr. and Mrs. Schenn prefer to just blend into the crowd.

“I think they’ll be pretty neutral," Luke Schenn said. "They’re not going to be wearing jerseys. I don’t see them ever wearing a jersey to the games.”

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.