Joel Quenneville earns 1,000th NHL win in Ducks' thriller over Oilers

Joel Quenneville became just the second head coach in NHL history to reach 1,000 regular-season victories. His Anaheim Ducks staged a stunning comeback, rallying from two two-goal deficits and a late third-period hole to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 6-5 on Wednesday night in Anaheim.[1][2] The milestone came in the Ducks’ first game back from the Olympic break, with Cutter Gauthier delivering the tiebreaking goal 1:14 from the end.[3]

Quenneville, now 67, high-fived his players at the bench before joining them on the ice for photos. This victory vaulted Anaheim into playoff contention in the Western Conference.

A dramatic game for the ages

The Ducks trailed 3-1 and 5-3 before exploding for four third-period goals. Edmonton struck first through Jack Roslovic, followed by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evan Bouchard building a lead.[2] Anaheim answered with goals from Beckett Sennecke, Olen Zellweger, Leo Carlsson, and Alex Killorn to set the stage.

Gauthier’s unassisted wrist shot at 18:45 proved decisive, silencing the Oilers’ stars like Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman. The win improved Anaheim to 31-23-3.

This rally echoed the resilience Quenneville has instilled since taking over. For full game details, check the ESPN box score.

Post-Olympic games often bring rust, but the Ducks shone brightly.

Quenneville joins elite company

Quenneville reached 1,000 wins in his 1,825th game coached. Only Scotty Bowman, with 1,244 victories, stands ahead; Bowman hit the mark in 1997 with Detroit.[1]

Bowman also claimed nine Stanley Cups. Quenneville boasts three, all with Chicago from 2010-2015.

Others lurk close: Paul Maurice has 945 wins across five teams, fresh off back-to-back Cups with Florida. Lindy Ruff sits at 933 after Buffalo’s recent win.

• Quenneville’s stats: 26 partial seasons coached, playoffs in 20 of 22 full seasons.
• Bowman’s edge: More games (2,141), higher total.
• Next challengers: Maurice and Ruff, both with extensive experience despite sub-.500 percentages in overtime era.

This club underscores coaching longevity.

From player to powerhouse coach

Quenneville played 13 NHL seasons as a defenseman, known for his mustache. After retiring in 1992, he assisted Colorado to a Cup in 1996.

His head coaching started mid-1996-97 with St. Louis, leading to seven straight playoffs. Colorado followed in 2004, then Chicago in 2008 for dynasty glory.

Fired by Chicago in 2018, he joined Florida in 2019. A 2021 scandal-related ban sidelined him until 2024.

He watched every game from Florida, staying connected.

Navigating controversy and comeback

In 2010, Chicago ignored assault allegations against video coach involving player Kyle Beach during their Cup run. Quenneville resigned from Florida in 2021; the NHL banned him alongside executives.

Commissioner Gary Bettman lifted it in 2024 after remorse and advocacy work. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek, a former teammate, hired him despite risks.

Anaheim hadn’t made playoffs in seven years. Now thriving with young core like Gauthier.

As our post-Olympics NHL bubble watch noted, the Ducks entered the break as contenders under Quenneville’s steady hand.

Verbeek axed prior coach Greg Cronin despite progress, betting on “Coach Q.”

Ducks’ resurgence under new leadership

Quenneville’s arrival transformed a rebuild. The team surged into the playoff mix.

Young talents gained experience; veterans bought in. His .548 win percentage reflects consistency.

Compare to earlier struggles, like the Ducks’ midseason slump with Leo Carlsson, now firmly in the rearview.

Owner Henry Samueli backed the hire amid PR challenges. Results validate it.

For more on the rally, see the NHL.com recap.[3]

Quenneville’s focus remains playoffs, not personal milestones.

This win signals Anaheim’s potential deep run. With Maurice and Ruff nearing 1,000, the club grows, but Quenneville’s return adds redemption to history. Ducks fans dream of playoffs; his leadership positions them well.