Anaheim Ducks’ Joel Quenneville Joins Elite NHL Coaches with 1,000th Win

Joel Quenneville reached a significant milestone in his coaching career, achieving his 1,000th victory in the NHL. This historic moment occurred during a thrilling game where the Anaheim Ducks secured a 6-5 comeback win against the Edmonton Oilers. The Ducks faced tough challenges, overcoming two separate two-goal deficits during the game.

Celebrating a Historic Win

Quenneville, who is now one of the elite NHL coaches, shared a postgame moment with his family and team after the game. “I wasn’t prioritizing the number,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the victory and its impact on his team’s momentum and standings. With this win, the Ducks have notably improved their playoff prospects for the first time since 2018.

Details of the Game

• Final Score: Anaheim Ducks 6, Edmonton Oilers 5
• Winning Goal: Cutter Gauthier scored with 1:14 remaining.
• Notable Comebacks: This marked Anaheim’s NHL-leading eighth multi-goal comeback win of the season.

Quenneville received congratulatory gifts, including fine wines and cigars, but preferred to celebrate with a simple beer, reflecting his humble approach to the milestone.

Quenneville’s Journey in the NHL

The 67-year-old coach is now the second member of the exclusive 1,000-win club, joining Scotty Bowman, who reached this milestone with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997. Quenneville achieved his landmark victory in his 1,825th game, a commendable feat in his 26-season coaching career.

Coaching Legacy

Quenneville’s coaching journey has been highlighted by three Stanley Cup championships with the Chicago Blackhawks. He is known for leading teams to the playoffs in 20 out of the 22 NHL seasons he completed.

Return to Coaching

Following a four-year hiatus from the NHL, Quenneville reunited with the Ducks, who had not seen playoff action in seven seasons. He was reinstated in July 2024 after addressing his previous inaction during a significant scandal involving the Blackhawks. Quenneville has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach again, focusing on leading a team stacked with young talent.

Future Prospects

As Quenneville continues his coaching career, he could soon be joined in the 1,000-win club by others, including Paul Maurice and Lindy Ruff, both nearing this achievement.

Quenneville’s milestone not only highlights his individual success but also signals a promising turnaround for the Anaheim Ducks as they compete in the current NHL season.