Joel Quenneville Achieves Milestone: Second NHL Coach to Reach 1,000 Wins

Bassyonni

Published: February 28, 2026 9:56 PM ET

Joel Quenneville Achieves Milestone: Second NHL Coach to Reach 1,000 Wins

Joel Quenneville has etched his name in NHL history by becoming only the second coach to achieve 1,000 career victories. This milestone came during the Anaheim Ducks’ thrilling 6-5 comeback win against the Edmonton Oilers on February 25, 2026, marking a remarkable victory that rallied the Ducks after facing multiple deficits in the game.

Remarkable Comeback Victory

Quenneville, celebrating with his family and team, expressed that he hadn’t focused on the milestone while coaching. “I just wanted to play well tonight and find a way to win,” he stated. The Ducks showcased resilience, overcoming two two-goal and one one-goal deficits, culminating in a four-goal third period. Cutter Gauthier scored the decisive goal with just 1:14 left on the clock, solidifying the Ducks’ record of eight multi-goal comeback wins this season.

A Historic Achievement

This triumph not only highlighted Quenneville’s coaching prowess but also propelled the Ducks into contention for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2018. Quenneville’s 1,000th win came in his 1,825th game, joining the legendary Scotty Bowman, who reached the milestone on February 8, 1997, while coaching the Detroit Red Wings.

Career Overview

At 67, Quenneville has had a storied career that includes leading the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships. He has guided teams to the playoffs in 20 of the 22 NHL seasons he completed as a head coach. Last season, the Ducks, who had not made the playoffs for seven consecutive years, brought Quenneville aboard after he was reinstated following a four-year hiatus due to his resignation from the Florida Panthers.

Coaching Dynamics and Challenges

Quenneville’s return was not without its challenges. His prior resignation was tied to his handling of a serious incident involving the Blackhawks, for which he has expressed remorse. Since his return, he has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a positive environment, both on and off the ice.

Looking Ahead

As Quenneville celebrates this significant milestone, the focus remains on the future. His success in Anaheim suggests a promising trajectory for both him and the franchise, with aspirations for continued playoff success. Notably, two more veteran coaches, Paul Maurice and Lindy Ruff, could soon join the 1,000-win club, emphasizing the ever-evolving landscape of NHL coaching.