Joel Quenneville reaches 1,000 NHL coaching victories

Quenneville joins Scotty Bowman as the only NHL coaches to reach the milestone

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:57pm

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Joel Quenneville, the head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, reached 1,000 career NHL coaching victories on Wednesday night in a dramatic 6-5 comeback win over the Edmonton Oilers. Quenneville is only the second coach in NHL history to reach the 1,000-win milestone, joining legendary coach Scotty Bowman.

Why it matters

Quenneville's achievement is a remarkable feat, as he has built a Hall of Fame coaching career spanning over 26 seasons. His teams have made the playoffs in 20 of the 22 seasons he has coached, winning three Stanley Cup championships with the Chicago Blackhawks. This milestone cements Quenneville's status as one of the greatest NHL coaches of all time.

The details

Quenneville reached the 1,000-win mark in his 1,825th game as an NHL head coach. His Ducks rallied from multiple two-goal deficits in the third period to beat the Oilers 6-5, with Cutter Gauthier scoring the game-winning goal with 1:14 remaining. Quenneville was presented with gifts like fine wine and cigars after the game, but he planned to celebrate with just a beer.

  • Quenneville coached his first NHL game with the St. Louis Blues in February 1997.
  • Scotty Bowman reached 1,000 NHL coaching wins in February 1997, just a month after Quenneville's first game.
  • Quenneville reached the 1,000-win milestone on February 26, 2026.

The players

Joel Quenneville

A 67-year-old NHL head coach who has led teams to the playoffs in 20 of his 22 seasons, winning three Stanley Cup championships with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Scotty Bowman

The first NHL coach to reach 1,000 career wins, finishing his career with 1,244 victories and 9 Stanley Cup titles.

Cutter Gauthier

The Anaheim Ducks player who scored the game-winning goal with 1:14 remaining to secure Quenneville's 1,000th career victory.

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't prioritizing the number. I just wanted to play well tonight and find a way to win. That was the motivation, and it turned out to be a very special one as well.”

— Joel Quenneville, Head Coach, Anaheim Ducks

“He's from a different league when I look at his company. I think he's lonesome up there, the number he's at. I had Scotty and Stan in Chicago together. We had some great wins, and he's got a lot of Cups. He's been very successful in the game.”

— Joel Quenneville, Head Coach, Anaheim Ducks

What’s next

Quenneville will look to continue leading the Anaheim Ducks to the playoffs in his first season with the team, as they currently sit in second place in the Western Conference standings.

The takeaway

Joel Quenneville's milestone 1,000th NHL coaching victory is a testament to his exceptional career and status as one of the greatest coaches in hockey history. His ability to lead teams to sustained success, including three Stanley Cup championships, solidifies his place among the all-time greats like Scotty Bowman.