"Stale messages and non answers": Pens fans irate with Pittsburgh Penguins HC Mike Sullivan's post-game comments after 6-3 Jets loss

Pittsburgh Penguins fans are upset with head coach Mike Sullivan after a 6-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday. This loss makes the Penguins’ record 3-4-0 on the season.

The game started well, with Pittsburgh leading 2-0 in the second period. However, they lost that lead as the Jets scored three goals in the third period. Adam Lowry and Mason Appleton scored quickly to help Winnipeg win and the Jets remain unbeaten at 5-0-0.

After the game, Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan spoke about the team's effort but mentioned the need for smarter play.

"From an effort standpoint, I thought our team played really hard. I think we've got to play a little smarter. And that's on all of us to try to cure some of those areas," he said.

Some Pens fans did not react too well to the coach's post-game comments, which they made clear on X (formerly Twitter):

"Stale messages and non answers.. his two rings are the only thing giving this fraud a leg to stand on," one fan felt that Sullivan did not effectively address the team's issues.

"Sully hear me out ok, this isn’t 2016 anymore. Your team doesn’t possess the speed it takes to run your aggressive attack concept. Please for the love of Sid scale back and play D fence If that is not in you then step aside sir…," another fan commented.

"Disappointing......," a fan wrote.

Fans are frustrated that they keep hearing the same things from Mike Sullivan year after year. Here are some more reactions on X:

"Buddy has been saying this for years after they lose but then changes nothing," a fan said.

"Sorry but he’s hit his expiration date," a fan commented.

"It’s time to make the change. Our window is closing. Love sully but it’s time to go," a fan tweeted.

Sidney Crosby echoes Mike Sullivan's sentiment for Pittsburgh Penguins to play smarter

After a rough loss to Carolina, the Pittsburgh Penguins adjusted their lineup for the Winnipeg game. Although they lost again, the team displayed increased energy and effort.

Like Mike Sullivan, Sidney Crosby noted the improvements but emphasized the need for smarter play.

“The effort we had today was the way we should play every night,” Crosby said (via NHL.com). “We just got to find a way to be a bit smarter. But yeah, we were definitely competing a lot more and got rewarded because of it. We’ve got to find a way to bring that every night.”

The Pittsburgh Penguins made adjustments by placing Drew O’Connor on the top line and giving Jesse Puljujarvi an opportunity with Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins are now 3-4 and feel the need to improve quickly to secure important points this season.