What Happened
Joel Quenneville made history on February 25, 2026, by becoming the second coach in NHL history to achieve 1,000 wins, following a thrilling 6-5 comeback victory by the Anaheim Ducks over the Edmonton Oilers. This milestone was reached during the Ducks’ first game back from the Olympic break.
Why It Matters
Quenneville’s achievement places him in an elite group alongside Scotty Bowman, highlighting his significant impact on the sport. The Ducks’ victory also marked their sixth consecutive win at home and improved their overall record to 10 wins in 12 games, allowing them to leapfrog the Oilers into second place in the Pacific Division. The game featured standout performances, including a tiebreaking goal from Cutter Gauthier and a strong return from Leo Carlsson, who contributed a goal and two assists after recovering from an injury.
What’s Next
As the Ducks aim to solidify their playoff position, they will look to build on this momentum. However, the team faces challenges, including the absence of forward Mikael Granlund due to an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, Quenneville will need to navigate the fallout from a recent controversy involving defenseman Radko Gudas, who is under scrutiny for his actions during the Olympics, which could impact the team’s public image and dynamics moving forward.
