Pens-Preds final is 1st in NHL history with 2 American-born head coaches

For the first time in NHL history, two American-born head coaches will square off in the Stanley Cup Final, according to the NHL Coaches Association.

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, a native of Marshfield, Mass., rallied his team to the final by winning two Game 7s. He made a series-altering decision against Ottawa by starting Matt Murray in Game 4 after Marc-Andre Fleury had carried them up to that point.

Peter Laviolette, a native of Franklin, Mass., has masterfully led his team to a 12-4 record on the road to the Cup Final. His willingness to adapt to his opponent has been put on full display. The Predators played more of a defensive, trap style against the high-flying Blackhawks in Round 1, but then upped the tempo against St. Louis and Anaheim.