Anaheim, California – In a thrilling display of resilience, the Anaheim Ducks overcame a two-goal deficit, battling back from 0-2 and 2-4 down to secure a 6-5 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday. The win was particularly significant as it marked a historic milestone for Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville, who became just the second coach in National Hockey League history to reach 1,000 career regular-season wins. Leo Carlsson led the offensive charge for Anaheim with a goal and two assists, while Connor McDavid, returning from international duty with Team Canada at the recent Winter Olympics, contributed two assists for the Oilers.
Quenneville’s achievement places him in elite company, trailing only the legendary Scotty Bowman, who amassed 1,244 wins over 2,140 games. Paul Maurice, currently coaching the Florida Panthers, is the next closest active coach with 945 wins as of February 26, 2026, according to NHL standings. The Ducks’ victory, secured with just 74 seconds remaining in regulation, was a testament to their determination and Quenneville’s leadership.
A Milestone Moment for Quenneville
Joel Quenneville, 67, has built a remarkable coaching career spanning over two decades. Prior to taking the helm in Anaheim, he successfully guided the St. Louis Blues (307 wins in 593 games), the Colorado Avalanche (131 wins in 246 games), and most notably, the Chicago Blackhawks (452 wins in 797 games). It was with the Blackhawks that Quenneville cemented his legacy, leading the team to three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015. He also spent time coaching the Florida Panthers (79 wins in 132 games) before joining the Ducks. His overall record now stands at 1000 wins in 1825 games, a testament to his strategic acumen and ability to motivate players.
“There’s been some fun wins along the way, and this one is up there”@AlysonLozoff caught up with @AnaheimDucks head coach Joel Quenneville after his 1,000th career win 🔊#FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/noS0u66DuM
— Victory+ (@victoryplustv) February 26, 2026
Our team had a surprise in store for Coach Q after his 1,000th win!
The Bombay Jacket looks good on ya, Coach. #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/gy6ocsCxpP
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) February 26, 2026
The Ducks celebrated Quenneville’s achievement with a special tribute, presenting him with a “Bombay Jacket” – a nod to the classic hockey film – after the game. The gesture highlighted the camaraderie within the team and the respect they have for their coach.
Return to Action After the Olympic Break
Wednesday’s games marked the resumption of NHL play following the conclusion of the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Several players returned to their teams after representing their countries in the tournament. Connor McDavid, who captained Team Canada to a silver medal, was back in the Oilers lineup, registering two assists in the loss to Anaheim. Jack Hughes, the hero of the United States’ gold medal-winning team, also made an immediate impact, recording an assist in the New Jersey Devils’ 1-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
The Colorado Avalanche, boasting a roster that included Canadian gold medalist Kailu Makaru, continued their strong form with a 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth. Makaru contributed an assist in the win, while Martin Necas and Parker Kelly each added a goal and an assist for the Avalanche. Notably, Nathan MacKinnon, another key member of the Canadian Olympic team, was absent from the Avalanche lineup.
NHL Roundup: Other Notable Results
Elsewhere in the NHL, the Dallas Stars extended their winning streak to seven games with a dominant 4-0 shutout of the Seattle Kraken, fueled by a two-goal performance from Wyatt Johnston. The Vegas Golden Knights also secured a victory, defeating the Los Angeles Kings 6-4 in a high-scoring affair. Tanner Laczynski orchestrated the Golden Knights’ offense with three assists, while Quintin Bailyfield scored twice for the Kings. The Vancouver Canucks fell to the Winnipeg Jets 2-3 in a closely contested overtime battle.
| Game | Result |
|---|---|
| Devils – Sabres | 1:2 |
| Capitals – Flyers | 3:1 |
| Lightning – Maple Leafs | 4:2 |
| Stars – Kraken | 4:1 |
| Mammoth – Avalanche | 2:4 |
| Kings – Golden Knights | 4:6 |
| Canucks – Jets | 2:3 P |
| Ducks – Oilers | 6:5 |
Leo Carlsson, who has been a standout performer for the Ducks this season, has 44 points in 44 games, making him the only player on the team currently averaging a point per game. He missed the previous 11 games due to a lower-body injury, including participation in the Olympics for Sweden, but his return provided a significant boost to Anaheim’s offensive capabilities. According to a report from Daily Faceoff, Carlsson underwent a procedure to repair a Morel-Lavalée lesion, sidelining him for over a month. Daily Faceoff
Unfortunately for the Ducks, forward Mikael Granlund will miss at least one more game with an upper-body injury. Quenneville indicated that Granlund is expected to skate tomorrow and could be available for Friday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets. Daily Faceoff
The NHL season is rapidly approaching its conclusion, and teams are fiercely competing for playoff positioning. The Ducks, currently battling for a spot in the Western Conference, will look to build on this momentum as they continue their post-Olympic schedule. The Oilers, despite the loss, remain a strong contender, and McDavid’s return is expected to provide a significant lift to their playoff push.
The next confirmed action for both the Anaheim Ducks and the Edmonton Oilers is their upcoming game on Friday, February 27th, as the Oilers face the Nashville Predators and the Ducks host the Winnipeg Jets. Fans can stay updated on the latest NHL news and scores on the official NHL website. Official Site of the National Hockey League
What are your thoughts on Joel Quenneville reaching this incredible milestone? Share your opinions and predictions for the remainder of the NHL season in the comments below!