PITTSBURGH -- One of the biggest mandates from Mike Sullivan when he took over as coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins last season was to dial down the emotional swings that often distracted the team. Opponents could get in their head. The opponents knew it and, probably, deep down the Penguins knew it too.
Sullivan's message was simple: Just play. Don't worry about the rest.
The Penguins, in his mind, were more talented than any team around. If they removed all the distractions, if they just unshackled themselves from the baggage that came with being the star-studded Penguins, they might have a chance to be special.