Joel Quenneville has etched his name into the annals of NHL history, becoming only the second head coach to secure 1,000 career wins. The milestone came as the Anaheim Ducks edged out the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling 6-5 victory.
Quenneville, ever the focused strategist, downplayed the personal achievement, emphasizing the team's performance. “I wasn’t prioritizing the number. I just wanted to play well tonight and find a way to win,” he shared post-game, acknowledging the special nature of the night.
The Ducks' triumph was sealed by Cutter Gauthier, whose late-game heroics with just over a minute left on the clock pushed Anaheim to a 31-23-3 record, nudging them past the Oilers in the Pacific Division standings.
Reflecting on the game, Quenneville noted its unpredictability, highlighting moments where each team seemed to have the upper hand. It's this kind of competitive edge that has defined his storied career.
Joining the legendary Scotty Bowman, who holds the record with 1,244 wins, Quenneville stands as the second-winningest coach in NHL history. His career record of 1,000-595-153, with 77 ties over 1,825 games, spans successful stints with the St.
Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, and Florida Panthers. Notably, he guided the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup victories in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
Appointed by the Ducks last May, Quenneville became the 12th head coach in the franchise's history. His journey in hockey began on the ice, where he played 803 NHL games as a defenseman, tallying 54 goals and 190 points.
However, Quenneville's career has not been without controversy. The Ducks conducted a thorough background check related to his involvement in the 2010 sexual assault allegations concerning former Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich and player Kyle Beach. A 2021 report by Jenner & Block detailed Quenneville's awareness and involvement in discussions during the playoffs that year.
Following a meeting with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Quenneville resigned from his role with the Panthers in October 2021. Bettman later stated that any future NHL employment would require a meeting to establish conditions for his return.
After a three-year hiatus, Quenneville was reinstated on July 1, 2024, paving the way for his return to the league. His comeback with the Ducks marks a new chapter in a career marked by both triumph and tribulation.