"With some of the players we have out of the lineup are we going to change the way we play?" Sullivan said, repeating the question. "For me, I don't think we have to change our identity as far as what we are and how we can play to our strengths and have success. I think when we have players of the caliber of players that are out of our lineup, we've got to make sure that we're just more disciplined and more diligent in every aspect of the game.
"It starts with managing the puck, the play between the blue lines, which sets up so much of the game. We can have an aggressive mindset and do it collectively as a group and not be a high-risk hockey team."
The Penguins clearly got the same message from their coach, because it's hard to imagine them playing any more diligent, disciplined, harder or smarter than they did in a 6-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on Tuesday.
Frankly, it's hard to imagine them playing a better game period without Crosby, Malkin and left wing Jake Guentzel, let alone one against a Lightning team that has won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships and raised their 2021 Stanley Cup championship banner prior to the opening face-off.
"It's a big win for us," Sullivan said after the game. "Obviously, that's a really good team we're playing against. It's a real emotional night for them. It's one of those games that can go either way. I thought we came out with a lot of energy. I thought we played the game that we're trying to play. We were doing everything in fives in all three zones and that's when our team is at its best. Our best defense takes place 150, 160 feet away from our net with our puck pursuit game, and I thought our guys did a real good job tonight."
Crosby (recovering from wrist surgery) and Guentzel (recovering from COVID-19) were in the building and skated in the morning. Both could be back soon. Malkin is out at least the first two months of the season recovering from knee surgery he had in June.
The Penguins' performance without them had a prove-something feel to it, as in don't sleep on us because we're still a championship quality team too.
They had six goal-scorers and 12 skaters with at least one point. Goalie Tristan Jarry made 26 saves in what Sullivan called "a big win for him."
"It's a first step," forward Danton Heinen said. "It's a good first step, for sure. We all know who is out of the lineup and I think everybody has to pick up their game a little and take a little more weight. It's a good opportunity for some guys. It's definitely a good first step."