For Mike Sullivan, defeat brought out the best in Penguins fans last week.
After his team was eliminated by the Washington Capitals in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals last Monday, the crowd at PPG Paints Arena responded with a hearty salute anyway. The coach heard it all and expressed his appreciation in a letter posted to the team’s website Wednesday.
“I was thrilled for our players at your outpouring of support,” Sullivan said. “I couldn't help but take a minute to soak it in myself. It was an unbelievable way to transition from fresh disappointment to overall pride.