Pittsburgh Penguins HC Mike Sullivan makes major admission about team's mental state

The Pittsburgh Penguins withstood a furious third-period rally to get their eighth win of the season last night. It broke a three-game losing streak, putting the team back on the right track. After nearly making the postseason last year, the Pens have struggled out of the gate in 2024.

Head coach Mike Sullivan said via NHL that despite nearly blowing a four-goal lead, his team should be pleased with a win:

“I said to the guys after the game that we should feel good about it, because I thought we really worked hard. I thought we played on our toes."

He went on to say that it's even more important given how the team's mental state had been lately:

"When you're going through a skid like we've gone through, as you guys can imagine, it's human nature (that) we're scarred, and it’s because they care. So, you've got to fight through that element of human nature, and you got to manufacture confidence.”

The Penguins jumped out to a 5-1 lead over the Vancouver Canucks thanks to goals from Bryan Rust, Kevin Hayes, Blake Lizotte, and Rickard Rakell before settling into defensive mode to withstand a three-goal rally.

Pittsburgh Penguins star Blake Lizotte talks opening goal after injuries

Thanks to two concussions, Pittsburgh Penguins star Blake Lizotte has been out of the lineup a lot this campaign. He's played in just eight games this season, but he got the team rolling with his goal in the first few minutes of activation from IR.

Lizotte spoke to the media, via NHL:

“It’s a bit of a roller coaster, especially with head injuries. Some days you feel good, some days you don’t. I’m just happy to feel good away from the rink, first and foremost. Feeling on the ice is kind of an afterthought."

He continued, adding that he's felt good in returning both times he's gone down with concussions:

"When your legs don’t feel great coming back, it gives you some adrenaline right away to score. That’s a dream way to start. And obviously helping the team to win is most important.”

It was the forward's third goal in those eight games and it helped spur an offensive outburst for a team that needed to reverse course.