Hockey News - Penguins coach Sullivan taking leave after father's death

Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, right, skates beside Matt Cullen during NHL hockey training camp, Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, in Cranberry Township, Pa. A longer than expected summer behind them after coming up short in their bid for a third straight Stanley Cup, the Penguins started preparing for the new season. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan is taking a leave of absence to be with his family following the death of his father, George.

The Penguins said George Sullivan, 81, passed away on Saturday in Scituate, Massachusetts.

Assistant coach Jacques Martin will run the day-to-day operations of the coaching staff while Sullivan is away.

"We'll handle the load until he gets back," assistant coach Mark Recchi said. "It's a very tough time for him. We'll make sure things run the way he would run."

George Sullivan visited his son occasionally after Mike Sullivan took over as Penguins coach in December, 2015 and spent copious amounts of time with the club during Pittsburgh's run to consecutive Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.

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