Mike Sullivan Sends Rangers Fans a Beautiful Message After Shocking Departure from Pittsburgh

Mike Sullivan's first press conference as New York Rangers head coach gave all the usual words coaches use, but under all the blather were some messages that needed to be sent.

Humility and toughness characterized Sullivan's tone when he spoke about the Rangers' innate talent and about the importance of unity and identity, two things that have truly been withheld from the team in recent years.

It's not a matter of personal talent, he emphasized again, but one of establishing a culture in which the talent is allowed to blossom as a team. Sullivan then sent Rangers fans a personal message, saying how excited he is to get to work.

A two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sullivan is a championship voice of credibility and experience. What he has to say is worth hearing.

Although he didn't spend much time lamenting the Rangers' failures last season, he did indicate that he believes in the roster and that his experience he has with the Penguins will help.

That faith was a big part of his taking the job. He and Rangers general manager Chris Drury appear to be on the same wavelength.

Their familiarity is a product of having shared origins at Boston University and being around USA Hockey, creating a foundation for what may be a sound long-term connection.

It's unknown to what degree Sullivan will hold influence in the matter of people this summer, but his tandem with Drury has the power to shape the direction of the team far longer than the point on the bench he occupies.

Currently, it's all talk. The real test will come when the puck is dropped and we see if Sullivan can follow through on his poise and impose some clarity and identity on the Rangers that have been missing.