Mike Sullivan and the New York Rangers were eager to start off on the right foot in 2025-26.
Last year went as poorly as possible for the Blueshirts, so a season-opening home matchup with the rival Pittsburgh Penguins appeared to be just what the doctor ordered to flush it all away right from the jump.
Sullivan was set to take on the team he spent parts of the last 10 seasons coaching, which included the ultimate success of winning back-to-back Stanley Cups (2015-16, 2016-17).
A lot of that success can be attributed to the superstar tandem of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, with whom Sullivan built very strong relationships throughout his time in Pittsburgh.
And while that bond will forever remain intact, on Tuesday night, he was the head coach on the bench opposing Crosby and Malkin for the first time. Sullivan was asked about it after the game, and SNYRangers shared the clip with his response on X (formerly Twitter).
"Yeah, I mean, obviously it's different; it's different. I knew that was going to be the case. But I'm excited about the group we have here in front of me and with the Rangers, and I'm looking forward to working with this group," Sullivan said.
Mike Sullivan was asked if it was "surreal" to coach against the Penguins tonight:
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) October 8, 2025
"It's different. I knew that was going to be the case. I'm excited about the group we have here in front of me with the Rangers and I'm looking forward to working with this group." pic.twitter.com/suFu1fHtOO
While understanding the moment, the 57-year-old was in no mood for much conversation about his former team, especially after the 3-0 shutout loss on home ice.
Tough start for Sullivan and the Rangers
It's one game out of a long 82-game season, but the New York Rangers' home opener didn't go the way they drew it up.
A slow start put them behind after the first period, and they were never able to truly get back in it, shut out on 25 shots by Penguins netminder Arturs Silovs.
It was a disappointing performance and a frustrating result, and it showed on Sullivan's face postgame, though as we know, there's plenty of time to right the ship.
The Rangers, looking for their first win of the year, will now make the trip upstate to Buffalo to take on the Sabres in their home opener on Thursday night.