Joel Quenneville has made history by becoming the second coach in NHL history to achieve 1,000 career victories. He accomplished this feat on Wednesday night when his Anaheim Ducks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 6-5. This landmark win occurred in the Ducks’ first game after the Olympic break.
Historic Milestone for Quenneville
Quenneville joins the legendary Scotty Bowman in the exclusive 1,000-win club. Bowman was the first to reach this milestone on February 8, 1997, while coaching the Detroit Red Wings. Quenneville’s win on Wednesday was dramatic, as the Ducks overcame two separate two-goal deficits and trailed again in the third period before Cutter Gauthier scored the decisive goal with just over a minute left.
Quenneville’s Coaching Journey
The 67-year-old coach has returned to the NHL following a four-year absence, which began after his resignation from the Florida Panthers in late 2021. He stepped away due to his handling of the Chicago Blackhawks’ sexual abuse scandal. Quenneville’s NHL ban was lifted in July 2024, paving the way for his hiring by the Ducks.
Impact on the Anaheim Ducks
- Currently, the Ducks have a record of 31-23-3.
- Quenneville is leading a franchise that has not seen playoff action in seven consecutive seasons.
- He has a proven track record, with playoff appearances in 20 out of 22 seasons as a head coach.
Before coaching, Quenneville played 13 NHL seasons as a defenseman. His coaching career has spanned parts of 26 seasons, culminating in three Stanley Cup titles with the Chicago Blackhawks from 2008 to 2017. He reached his 1,000th victory in his 1,825th game.
Coaching Achievements
| Coach | Wins | Games Coached | Stanley Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotty Bowman | 1,244 | 2,141 | 9 |
| Joel Quenneville | 1,000 | 1,825 | 3 |
Quenneville’s transition back to coaching has been smooth, with the Ducks showing remarkable improvement. The team’s development reflects a blend of young talent gaining experience and effective leadership from Quenneville.
Future Prospects
As Quenneville celebrates this milestone, other veteran coaches are also nearing the 1,000-win mark. Paul Maurice, with 945 victories, and Lindy Ruff, who recently achieved his 933rd win, are both potential candidates to join this elite group in the coming years.
Quenneville’s legacy continues to grow, demonstrating his resilience and determination in the ever-evolving landscape of the NHL.
