Browsing: humbling

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Mike Sullivan has another souvenir to add to an already large personal hockey collection after being presented the game puck following his first victory as coach of the New York Rangers.

It might not match the two Stanley Cup titles he won during his 10-year tenure as the Pittsburgh Penguins coach, but the significance of the 4-0 victory over Buffalo wasn’t lost on Sullivan on Thursday night.

“It’s humbling,” said Sullivan, who is from Massachusetts and the only U.S.-born coach to win at least two Cups.

“I’ve said this on a number of occasions since I got the job that it’s an incredible honor to be the head coach of the New York Rangers, a franchise that has such history to it,” Sullivan added. “It’s just a privilege that I don’t take for granted.”

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The victory was the 480th of Sullivan’s career and came two days after the Rangers opened with a 3-0 home loss to the Penguins. Sullivan was fired by Pittsburgh after missing the playoffs for a third straight season, before almost immediately landing in New York after the Rangers fired Peter Laviolette.

For Sullivan, he’s getting a fresh start in a familiar place after spending four seasons as a Rangers assistant under John Tortorella. And he’s tasked with the responsibility of providing structure and discipline to a team that unraveled both on off the ice in missing the playoffs last year.

The win over Buffalo was but a start for Sullivan, who got in a laugh recounting how newly appointed captain J.T. Miller presented him the puck.

“[Miller] made a joke about how long our video meetings are,” Sullivan said. “But they’ll continue to be long until we get on the same page.”

Though there’s still much to work on, Sullivan was impressed by his team’s response after a lackadaisical outing against Pittsburgh, which was sealed by two empty-net goals.

On Thursday, the Rangers outplayed the Sabres through much of the first period in building a 1-0 lead on Alex Lafreniere’s goal 11:43 in. Coupled with Igor Shersterkin’s 37-save outing, the Rangers closed strong with three goals in the final five minutes.

“I’m excited about the group of players that we have here. I think there’s a certain enthusiasm around the team right now since Day 1 of training camp,” Sullivan said. “It’s tangible, we can feel it. And I think we’re building a relationship with the players right now that will be meaningful moving forward.”

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Neymar was left in tears on the pitch as Santos endured a crushing 6-0 loss at home to Vasco da Gama – the heaviest defeat of his career.

The defeat marked the first time Santos have conceded six goals at home in a Brazilian Serie A match, leaving the eight-time champions perilously just two points above the relegation zone. The result also cost coach Cleber Xavier his job, with the club announcing his sacking just hours after the match.

Vascoâ€s win, their first in six league games and their largest in 17 years, was highlighted by former Liverpool and Aston Villa forward Philippe Coutinho scoring twice.

Speaking after the game, Neymar did not hold back his frustration.

“I’m ashamed,†he said. “I’m totally disappointed with our performance. The fans have every right to protest, obviously without using violence. But if they want to curse and insult, they’re in their right.â€

Philippe Coutinho made light work of Neymar’s Santos. / Sports Press Photo/GettyImages

On his emotional exit from the field, Neymar added: “I’ve never experienced this in my life. The tears were from anger, from everything. Unfortunately, I can’t help in every way.â€

Santos were relegated for the first time in their history in 2023 before bouncing back to the top flight last season. Neymar, who came through the clubâ€s youth ranks before leaving for Barcelona in 2013, returned on a short-term contract in January and has since contributed six goals and three assists from 21 appearances in all competitions.

Reflecting on the humbling loss, Neymar said: “Itâ€s a shame to play like that wearing the Santos jersey. Everyone needs to lay their head on their pillow and think about what they want to do.â€

Now now, Neymar. / Sports Press Photo/GettyImages

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