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.