The Pittsburgh Penguins' 2023-2024 season isn't going the way players want it to.
The club has lost its last four games and has a record of 11-12-3 so far. Before Monday night's games in the National League, the Pens were in second-to-last place in the Metropolitan Section.
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President Kyle Dubas felt it necessary to provide an update on Monday. He took the opportunity to express his confidence in head coach Mike Sullivan.
“When the team isn’t reaching its potential, we seem to automatically turn to the coaches. […] Being around him every day and seeing not only his attention to detail with the systems, but also his attention to detail with the players – coaching them individually – I think we're very lucky to have Mike. So do I think he is the right person for this job now and in the future? Absolutely,” he said.
“I'm sure Sully is the best person to help us.”
Sullivan has been with Pittsburgh since the 2015-2016 season. For his part, Dubas arrived last summer.
“The responsibility is mine to determine where we are and where we are going,” the 38-year-old leader also said. We can't move forward in any direction if we don't follow rule number 1 when you're in a hole, which is: “When you're in a hole, stop digging.”
“I will give my players and coaching staff as much time as possible,” Dubas added, before clarifying that he would give himself until the All-Star break to make a full evaluation.
Karlsson satisfied
Dubas also talked about his big summer purchase. In August, he acquired defenseman Erik Karlsson in a three-way trade with the San Jose Sharks and Montreal Canadiens.
In 26 games so far this season, the Swedish defender has scored six goals and 13 assists for 19 points. He also maintained a +12 differential.
“From my perspective, Erik has been a great addition and stimulates discussion about how we can evolve and change.”
Patience with Puljujarvi
Recently, Dubas also gave striker Jesse Puljujarvi a professional tryout. The fourth overall pick in the 2016 draft is a free agent after the Carolina Hurricanes decided not to retain him after the 2022-23 season. The Finn underwent hip surgery last offseason.
“Obviously he had a very serious operation and so it will take some time for him to recover from that,” Dubas said. “It will be a daily process to ensure we get him in the best condition possible so that when we make a decision for him he can endure the rigors of the season without further hip problems.”
Puljujarvi is currently training with the Penguins. He cannot participate in a game without receiving formal approval from the NHL.
The Pens will return to action on Tuesday with a visit to the Arizona Coyotes at PPG Paints Arena. They then travel to Montreal to face the Canadian on Wednesday evening.