Joel Quenneville reached a significant milestone in his NHL coaching career, securing his 1,000th win as the Anaheim Ducks overcame the Edmonton Oilers with a 6-5 victory. The Ducks' win, marked by a comeback, saw them erasing two-goal deficits to secure the victory. Quenneville becomes only the second coach in NHL history to reach this benchmark, joining the legendary Scotty Bowman.
The game itself was a thrilling affair, with Cutter Gauthier scoring the decisive goal with just over a minute remaining. Leo Carlsson contributed a goal and two assists in his return after missing time due to injury. The Oilers saw goals from Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard, while Connor McDavid added two assists, bringing his season total to an NHL-leading 98 points. The Ducks have been on a strong run at home, winning their sixth straight and 10 of their last 12 games, moving them ahead of the Oilers in the Pacific Division standings.
Quenneville's journey to 1,000 wins spans several teams, including the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, and Florida Panthers. His most notable success came with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he led the team to three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015. Known as "Coach Q," Quenneville's achievement places him among the NHL's coaching elite, solidifying his legacy in the sport.
While Quenneville's career has been marked by success, it hasn't been without controversy. He resigned from the Florida Panthers in 2021 following an investigation into the Chicago Blackhawks' handling of a sexual abuse allegation in 2010. After being reinstated by the NHL in 2024, the Ducks hired Quenneville in May 2025. This milestone serves as a reminder of Quenneville's impact on the game and his resilience throughout his career.
