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Sullivan credits Rangers’ commitment after 4–2 win over Utah

Mike Sullivan praised New York’s play without the puck and described the loss of center Joe Veleno after the Rangers beat the Mammoth.

Alexis Lafrenière plays the puck against Utah during the Rangers’ October 4, 2026 game at Madison Square Garden.
Alexis Lafrenière plays the puck against Utah at Madison Square Garden on October 4, 2026. · Credit: Jared Silber / NHLI via Getty Images, via New York Rangers

“They’re paying the price to win, whether it be blocking shots or, you know, winning puck battles, things of that nature,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said after New York’s 4–2 win over Utah on October 4.

Asked about closing out games, Sullivan said New York regained momentum after extended shifts in its own end during the second period. The teams entered the third tied 1–1. When asked about Alexis Lafrenière’s offensive chances, he also singled out the forward’s late shot block while the Rangers defended five against six.

“It wasn’t easy,” Sullivan said when asked about adjusting his lines after Joe Veleno left early. He said the loss put more work on Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller, with Zibanejad playing more minutes than he wanted. Veleno was being evaluated for a lower-body injury, Sullivan said, adding that he might have more information the following day.

Rangers 4, Mammoth 2: Final recap and preserved game updates · Today’s NHL live desk

Sources and notes

  1. https://www.nhl.com/rangers/video/nyr-vs-uta-postgame-mike-sullivan-6406231909112
  2. Source scope: The complete available caption track of the Rangers’ published 12:04 postgame interview was reviewed. The recording was not played. The clip opens during a reporter’s question.
  3. https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/uta-vs-nyr/2026/10/04/2026020036
  4. https://www.espn.com/nhl/game/_/gameId/401892443
  5. https://www.nhl.com/rangers/multimedia/galleries/photos-nyr-vs-uta-10-04-26
  6. Utah coach André Tourigny’s October 4 postgame comments had not been verified at publication.