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Marcus Pettersson sees identity of Mike Sullivan’s Penguins success taking hold with Rangers

Marcus Pettersson, a defenseman with deep experience under Mike Sullivan’s system, has observed the New York Rangers quickly adopting the structured, defensive identity that defined Sullivan’s Stanley Cup-winning Pittsburgh Penguins teams. The Blueshirts, now 6-3-1 in their first 10 games, have embraced Sullivan’s philosophy of disciplined checking and forechecking, a style Pettersson—who played seven seasons with the Penguins before joining the Rangers—recognizes as a core part of their success.

His own performance, including two assists and a key role on the penalty-kill unit, underscores the Rangers’ commitment to this approach, with Pettersson noting how Sullivan’s defensive principles ultimately fuel their offensive opportunities. The defenseman, acquired in a trade involving a top-10 protected first-round pick in 2030, has settled into a leadership role alongside Sean Durzi on the revamped second pairing, reinforcing the team’s defensive foundation as they shape their future under Sullivan’s guidance.

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