Joel Quenneville becomes second-winningest coach in NHL history with 783rd career victory
Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville is the second-winningest coach in NHL history after his team defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-1 on Thursday.
With the victory, Quenneville moved past Hockey Hall of Fame coach Al Arbour to notch his 783rd win in his career. Quenneville is 783-451-77-110. Scotty Bowman has the most NHL wins with 1,244 in his career.
“I feel very fortunate and honored to be in some great company over the years. It happened fast and quick but I feel very fortunate,” Quenneville said.
Quenneville improved to 345-168-69 overall in 582 career games as the head coach of the Blackhawks. Quenneville took over during the 2008-09 season and has won three Stanley Cups with the organization.
“There’s been a lot of good coaches, but the amount of wins that he has, it’s so rare,” captain Jonathan Toews said. “To be a part of it, to witness it, I think it’s something special. To play for him pretty much your entire career, it means a lot to be a part of something like that. The success we’ve had in the playoffs the last number of years goes with it. It’s just nice to see guys in your room, whether it’s players or coaches like Joel, achieve some all-time marks and milestones like that.”
He’s also coached the St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche. On Tuesday, the Blackhawks lavished Quenneville with a three-year contract extension. The Blackhawks have notched nine straight wins and are tied with the Dallas Stars with 62 points to lead the Central Division. Goaltender Corey Crawford stopped 39 of 40 shots on goal and Toews scored a goal in the victory over the Habs.
Quenneville won the Jack Adams Award in 1999-2000 when he led the Blues to the NHL’s best record. After the game, Quenneville had some kind words to say about Arbour.
“Trying to play against his teams over the years, he was one of those guys that was distinguished behind the bench,” Quenneville said. “He had a Scotty (Bowman)-type of an aura back there. His teams were always winning teams and they always played hard and were tough to play against. I think as a player you heard a lot of good things about Al as well. His teams were successful, and catching him, I’m very honored.”
All quotes via NHL.com
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