Penguins players take fault for Johnston firing

PITTSBURGH – Following their first practice under new coach Mike Sullivan, the Pittsburgh Penguins took the blame for former coach Mike Johnston's firing.

The morning after a 3-2 shootout loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Friday, Johnston was told he would be relieved from his duties as Penguins coach. In just over one full season since replacing Dan Bylsma during the 2014 offseason, Johnston led Pittsburgh to a 58-37-15 record, including 15-10-3 this season, while the Pittsburgh's once-potent offense seemed to degrade.

The Penguins made it clear their performance was not Johnston's fault, however.

"It's never a great situation, obviously, as players. We take full responsibility," captain Sidney Crosby said. "The coach is the one that takes the fall, but ultimately, it's on us. So, we've got to be better. There's no question the expectations are high. We just basically have to be better. It's pretty clear-cut, I think. Today, just getting to know Mike [Sullivan] a little bit and we'll see as things go along. It's only been a few hours, so we'll see what adjustments and things we can expect."

Crosby said he is unsure if the Penguins' perceived tentative play led to their recent lack of offense.

"It's hard to say. Every game is different, but I think our execution needs to be better," he said. "I think we have a lot of guys who can make plays and at times, I think, we've been guilty of not competing hard enough to hold onto [the puck] or getting rid of it because we're not executing quite as good. There's always different things, but obviously, our [competitive] level has to be there to possess the puck and then you have to execute on top of that."

Defenseman Rob Scuderi also did not criticize Johnston and placed the responsibility on the players.

"We all share the blame," Scuderi said. "I know it's a boring cliché that no one wants to hear, but that's just the truth of it. We all share the blame and it cost two guys their jobs. … Just playing with a little more emotion [is what can improve]. I think that's something we had at times, and at other times, it would slide -- it might even be 20 minutes of a game -- but that's too much in this league. The tide can turn that fast."

The players noticed a considerable difference during their first practice under Sullivan, who loudly projected his philosophy from center ice. Johnston's approach was more subtle, which forward Beau Bennett said provided its own benefits, but that he welcomes Sullivan's demeanor.

"You can already tell the difference between [Johnston] and Sullivan," Bennett said. "[Johnston] is more of the professor type, thinks everything through and is a little more soft-spoken. Coach Sullivan is like he's 'It is what it is.' He's very straight forward and deliberate. Two different styles. We haven't even had a game yet with coach Sullivan, but it's going to be good for us, I think, getting that style in here."

The coaching change could have provided a wake-up call for the Penguins, who all echoed the sentiment that their play cost Johnston his position. Bennett said the onus is on the players to execute the philosophy presented, and if they don't, Pittsburgh will fail.

"It all comes down to each player," Bennett said. "You could have the best coach to ever coach any sport and if the players aren't playing their hardest at all times, it doesn't matter. So, I think it comes down to us. It's unfortunate [Johnston] lost his job because of us."