Penguins Shut Out Rangers 3-0 in NHL Opener, Beat Former Coach Sullivan

The Pittsburgh Penguins blanked the New York Rangers 3-0 in Thursday night's season opener at Madison Square Garden. The win put a damper on Mike Sullivan's first game as Rangers head coach.

Goalie Arturs Silovs posted a flawless 22-save shutout, while Justin Brazeau scored twice to lead Pittsburgh. The win gave Dan Muse his first victory as an NHL head coach.

"It's a peculiar feeling," said Sullivan to ESPN.com about coaching against his former players. "We have a long way to go, but this loss isn't a reason to overreact."

New York struggled to generate offense in the third period, managing only five shots while Pittsburgh fired 15. Muse's defensive game plan shut down the Rangers' attack all night.

After spending ten years in Pittsburgh where he racked up 409 wins and two Stanley Cups, Sullivan jumped ship. His new five-year deal with New York makes him the highest-paid coach in the NHL.

The game brought together some familiar faces. Sullivan brought Quinn and Hennes with him from Pittsburgh, while Muse learned under former Rangers coach Laviolette.

The legendary combo of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang started together - a partnership that's now lasted an amazing 19 seasons since 2007.

Sullivan's history with New York goes way back - from getting drafted in 1987 to serving as assistant coach from 2009 to 2013.

This opening night loss kicks off Sullivan's Rangers tenure following his Pittsburgh exit in April. Despite early success winning back-to-back Cups in 2016-17, missing the playoffs three straight years led to his dismissal.

The teams get back at it Saturday with New York hosting Boston, while Pittsburgh travels to face Philadelphia.