Anaheim, California – Joel Quenneville celebrated a monumental milestone on Wednesday night as he secured his 1,000th career victory as an NHL head coach during the Anaheim Ducks’ thrilling 6-5 comeback win over the Edmonton Oilers. The game showcased Quenneville’s ability to lead the Ducks to their first lead of the night with a late goal from Cutter Gauthier, making the victory all the more significant.
Reflecting on this historic achievement, Quenneville admitted that he didn’t initially concentrate on the milestone. Standing at center ice surrounded by his family and team, the weight of his accomplishment finally struck him. “I wasn’t prioritizing the number,” he explained, emphasizing that his main goal was simply to ensure a solid performance. The Ducks’ rally was impressive, overcoming two two-goal deficits and finishing with four goals in a frenetic third period.
Quenneville, who joined legendary coach Scotty Bowman as a member of the exclusive 1,000-win club, noted the importance of the victory for his team’s standing in the playoff race. The Ducks, currently in second place, are vying for a postseason berth for the first time since 2018. “It was an important game for us in a lot of ways,” Quenneville stated, recognizing how this victory could provide crucial momentum for the remainder of the season.
Receiving a few celebratory gifts, including fine wines and cigars, Quenneville opted to keep it simple, choosing to toast his achievement with a beer instead. His career has been punctuated by three Stanley Cup championships with the Chicago Blackhawks, and now, at 67 years old, he has made a successful return to coaching after a four-year absence.
Quenneville faced a rocky road in his coaching journey, resigning from the Florida Panthers in late 2021 due to his involvement in a significant scandal tied to the Blackhawks. After serving a ban from the NHL, he was allowed to return in July 2024, and the Ducks hired him to lead a franchise in desperate need of revitalization. Under his guidance, the Ducks, boasting a promising young core, have turned their fortunes around with a commendable record of 31-23-3.
As Quenneville continues to forge ahead, he reflects on his past achievements without dwelling on the challenges that led to his departure from coaching. “It’s always been the reason why we’re doing what we’re doing,” he said, underscoring that his motivation remains rooted in the pursuit of championship titles.
This night not only marked a personal victory for Quenneville but also highlighted the Ducks’ resilience, showcasing their determination to emerge as a competitive force in the league once again. With Quenneville at the helm, there is renewed hope for the team’s future as they aim for a playoff spot, a prospect that seemed distant in previous seasons.