Anaheim, Calif. – Joel Quenneville etched his name into NHL history Wednesday night, becoming just the second head coach to reach 1,000 regular-season victories. The Anaheim Ducks secured the milestone win with a thrilling 6-5 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers, overcoming a two-goal deficit twice in the process. This achievement places Quenneville in an exclusive club alongside hockey legend Scotty Bowman, marking a significant moment in the sport’s coaching landscape.
The Ducks’ victory, fueled by a multi-goal performance and a resilient effort, underscored Quenneville’s ability to galvanize a team and compete at a high level. The win is particularly notable as it came in Anaheim’s first game back from the Olympic break, signaling a strong push for a playoff berth. Quenneville’s journey to 1,000 wins is a testament to his longevity and consistent success in the NHL, a career spanning over two decades.
Bowman, who holds the NHL record with 1,244 wins, remains the gold standard for coaching success. Quenneville, with 1,000 wins in 1,825 games, acknowledged Bowman’s unparalleled achievement. “He’s lonesome up there, the number he’s at,” Quenneville said, as reported by The Latest York Times. “Scotty and (former Blackhawks GM) Stan Bowman were in Chicago together. We had some great wins. He’s got a lot of Cups, and he’s been very successful in the game.” Paul Maurice (945 wins) of the Florida Panthers and Lindy Ruff (934 wins) of the Buffalo Sabres are the closest active coaches to reaching the 1,000-win plateau.
Ducks Rally for Historic Victory
The Ducks’ offensive attack was led by Leo Carlsson, who contributed a goal and two assists. Alex Kilorn, Ian Moore, Becket Seneke, Olene Zelwegers, and Tateers Gauthier also found the back of the net for Anaheim. For the Oilers, Jack Roslovic, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, Evan Bouchard, and Matt Savoie scored. The game highlighted the Ducks’ offensive firepower, currently averaging 4.13 goals per game, the highest in the NHL, according to NHL.com.
Standings Implications
With the win, the Ducks improve to 65 points through 57 games, solidifying their fifth-place position in the Western Conference. The Oilers, with 64 points in 59 games, remain seventh in the conference. The victory is crucial for Anaheim as they navigate a competitive Western Conference playoff race.
Stars Continue Winning Streak
In other NHL action Wednesday, the Dallas Stars extended their winning streak to seven games with a decisive 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Wyatt Johnston scored twice for the Stars, while Matt Duchene and Sam Steel added single goals. Raiker Evans scored the lone goal for Seattle. The Stars now hold the second position in the Western Conference with 79 points in 58 games, trailing only the Colorado Avalanche, who have 85 points in 56 games.
Avalanche Secure Win Against Mammoth
The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Utah Mammoth 4-2 on the road. Parker Kelly, Victor Olofsson, Brock Nelson, and Martin Necas scored for the Avalanche, while Dylan Ganters netted two goals for the Mammoth.
Quenneville’s return to coaching with the Ducks, after being reinstated by the NHL in May 2025 following a period away from the league, has been marked by immediate success. His ability to instill a winning culture is evident in the Ducks’ improved performance and their current playoff contention. The Ducks hired Quenneville after a period where he was out of the NHL due to an “inadequate response” to allegations of sexual assault within the Chicago Blackhawks organization, as reported by The New York Times.
Looking ahead, Quenneville and the Ducks will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot. The team’s performance under Quenneville’s guidance will be closely watched as they navigate the remainder of the regular season. The Ducks’ success story serves as a compelling narrative in the NHL, showcasing the impact of experienced leadership and a renewed team spirit.
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