5 reasons why Pittsburgh Penguins will win Stanley Cup

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 01: Pittsburgh Penguins Center Sidney Crosby (87) looks on during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals on April 1, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Washington Capitals defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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1. Mike Sullivan

It may seem strange to include the Penguins coach here, but it’s true. Sullivan is one of the biggest reasons why no team has beaten the Penguins the past two years. His ability to adjust when the team is facing elimination or even down in a series is second-to-none, and every button he pushes works. Whether it’s tweaking his system or making a couple lineup changes, it’s worked and the Penguins have played their best hockey in the playoffs after they lose a game.

He has such a strong control over the Penguins that just wasn’t there when they were being coached by Dan Bylsma or Mike Johnston. Byslma never adjusted in a playoff series and it was the beginning of his end in Pittsburgh. Sullivan pushes all the right buttons and even when he does make a mistake at times, he goes and corrects it.

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If a team wants to beat the Penguins, they will have to outsmart Sullivan which has proven to be very tough for the opposition.

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