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Sullivan's reputation moves him to forefront
By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published May 26, 2007
If the Lightning hires Mike Sullivan as associate or assistant coach, it will get, according to Jim Johannson, director of operations for USA Hockey, someone "consumed" by the game.
Mike O'Connell, Kings director of pro development, said Friday: "If they hire Mike, they're getting a good coach who will become a great coach. ... They'll never regret it."
Nothing is official. The Lightning is not talking, and Sullivan could not be reached. But the 39-year-old from Marshfield, Mass., is believed to be the top choice to replace the fired Craig Ramsay.
Sullivan's experience is varied. He coached the United States to fifth place in this year's World Championships and was an assistant at the 2006 Olympics.
He coached AHL Providence in 2002-03, the Bruins from 2003-06, and had 54 goals, 136 points and 203 penalty minutes in 709 games over 11 seasons with the Sharks, Flames, Bruins and Coyotes.
"Mike was really respected by the national team players, " Johannson said. "The impressive thing to me is the way he carries himself, very knowledgeable.
"He can be tough on players as good as anyone. But he's got a way of making them understand, 'I want you to be better.' He can have tough conversations, but the players come out saying, 'I respect the way he spoke to me.' "
A good quality considering whoever Tampa Bay hires must balance coach John Tortorella's confrontational style.
No problem, said O'Connell, who as Bruins general manager hired Sullivan. "He'll embrace anything given to him, " O'Connell said. "Mike Sullivan, no matter what he chooses to do, he's one of those guys you meet in life you know he's going to be successful."
Sullivan led Boston to the 2003-04 Northeast title but was fired after a last-place finish in 2005-06 with a team depleted by questionable roster moves and injuries.
"He handled the situation we were in with ultimate dignity and class, " O'Connell said. "We lost a lot of players. He never complained. He always thought we could get it turned around."
Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com.
[Last modified May 26, 2007, 00:53:20]
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by Frank
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05/28/07 02:10 PM
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While Jay Feaster is at it he should find a top notch goalie coach and release Jeff Reese,before he signs another goalie.
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by Horatio
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05/27/07 01:17 AM
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Sullivan who comes from the same area as Torts has a strong personality & was known as a vigorous competitor through his NHL playing days & as coach of the often hapless Boston Bruins. Personality-wise, he & Torts would be on a true collision course.
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by Richie
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05/26/07 09:06 PM
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Wayne Cashman is not working and lives in Ocala. He's the man for the Lightning. He knows how to set up the power play - harden defensive play in front of the net - improve the penalty kill. Check his record when he was here. Phil can help get him.
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by Jim
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05/26/07 08:54 PM
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The Lightning should consider Cashman for Ramsay's replacement. When here he handled the defense, powerplay, and penalty kill - did a fantistic job. The powerplay has never been as good - same for defensive play in front of the net. He lives in Ocala
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by Tim
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05/26/07 03:38 PM
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Maybe the fact we played all season without a second line may have had something to do with the play-off disaster.. Find 2 players to go with Brad,Mr.Feaster.. One good line will not get us very far at all...
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by Walter
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05/26/07 03:07 PM
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I respected Ramsey for what he contributed to the Lightning's younger players, but as in every sport, and even business, change in inevitable. The power play wasn't working, defense was at best questionable, so it was time for that change.
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by Sherlock
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05/26/07 02:44 PM
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Right, Gary. Sullivan isn't going to be the one to tell Torts to spread out the TOI. Four guys over 25 min and three under 8.
Big timers were gassed vs. NJ.
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by Josh
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05/26/07 01:21 PM
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Hey Gary, the coach has nothing to do with crappy goal tending. How about Feaster's dumb move of sending Modin away for a million dollar archor weight.
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by rod
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05/26/07 11:23 AM
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The team doesn't need many changes, nor dramatic ones. This would be another solid move toward improvement There is a tendency to forget how bad this team was 5 years ago, when just making the playoffs was a dream. How many teams haven't won the CUP
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by Benjamin
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05/26/07 09:32 AM
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Gary, the reason they could not get past the first round is becuase they could not beat Florida at least one time in the last two weeks to have a first round match with Atl. The pk and defense was this teams prolem ALL year long.
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by Dan
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05/26/07 08:52 AM
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Torts is a concern with constant browbeating and berating. The players are bad? Craig supposedly wasn't right for the defense. Yet we also seem to get so many goalie failures. Because it's bad goalies, right?? Some rethinking seems to be in order.
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by Gary
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05/26/07 07:34 AM
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The Lightning did not get past the first round this year for one reason "The Coach".Yes, he had the number one and two scorers of the league and could not get the team past the first round because he was out coach and does not make enough changes.
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