Joel Quenneville etched his name deeper into the annals of NHL history on Wednesday, becoming just the second head coach ever to notch 1,000 career wins. The milestone came as his Anaheim Ducks edged out the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling 6-5 contest.
Reflecting on the achievement, Quenneville remarked, “I wasn’t prioritizing the number. I just wanted to play well tonight and find a way to win.” It was a sentiment that underscores his focus on the game, even as he reached this historic benchmark.
The Ducks clinched the victory with a late-game heroics from forward Cutter Gauthier, who netted the decisive goal with just 1:14 remaining in the third period. This win not only marked a personal triumph for Quenneville but also propelled Anaheim to a 31-23-3 record, nudging them ahead of the Oilers for second place in the Pacific Division.
Quenneville noted the ebb and flow of the game, saying, “It was a tremendous game as far as the unpredictability of the outcome. Both teams looked like they were in complete control at different times.”
Joining the legendary Scotty Bowman as the only coaches with 1,000 regular-season victories, Quenneville has amassed a record of 1,000-595-153 with 77 ties over 1,825 games. His illustrious career includes leading the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
Quenneville took the helm of the Ducks last May, becoming their 12th head coach. His journey in the NHL began on the ice, where he played 803 games as a defenseman, tallying 54 goals and 190 points.
However, Quenneville’s career hasn’t been without controversy. The Ducks conducted a thorough background check related to his involvement in the 2010 sexual assault allegations against former Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich. A report from Jenner & Block revealed Quenneville’s awareness and involvement in meetings about the allegations during the 2010 playoffs.
After resigning from the Florida Panthers in 2021 following a meeting with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Quenneville spent three years away from the league. He was reinstated on July 1, 2024, paving the way for his return to coaching.
Quenneville’s journey is a testament to resilience and dedication, and as he continues with the Ducks, his impact on the game remains significant and multifaceted.