Julien Ties Art Ross For Most Coaching Wins In Bruins History
BOSTON (CBS) -- Thursday night wasn't just a big win for the Boston Bruins, but a career milestone for head coach Claude Julien.
Boston's 4-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks was Julien's 387th of his Bruins career, tying him with Art Ross for the most coaching wins in franchise history.
Any milestone, especially with an Original Six franchise, is special, but Julien called it a "humbling" experience following Thursday's win.
"It really is humbling because this guy here – I said that before he's an icon, he's a legend. I don't have a trophy named after me," Julien said with a laugh. "Those are all things that there's a big difference between Art Ross and myself, and the fact that I've avoided being fired for the last nine years helps get that many wins here. So, just feel fortunate and most of all obviously humbled by that achievement."
It's an accomplishment Julien's players are honored to be a part of.
"He's one of those guys that always puts the team first, but it's well-deserved," said forward Patrice Bergeron. "He's an amazing coach; I've been very fortunate to be under him for a lot of years and learning and he's been very successful – they've always been – so, well-deserved."
Bergeron said it's Julien's fairness with his players that separates him from the rest.
"It's one of those things where you can get caught up in this league – especially as a coach – and you need to have the players on your side, obviously, and [have] them wanting to play for you, and I think he's done a tremendous job of that," explained Bergeron. "I think everyone wants to go on the ice and leave everything out there for Claude and it's all in his honor. It's one of those things where he does the right things and he says the right things at all times and makes us better players and persons."
"He's just so consistent in his approach and you know what he does for us," added defenseman Torey Krug. "He gives us a game plan that if we follow it we are able to win a lot of games. Doesn't matter who is in the lineup, who is out, if guys are injured – you can see that if we stick to our system you know we are able to win a lot of games."
Julien is now 387-215-85 in his nine years in Boston, leading the team to a Stanley Cup title in 2011 and another Cup Final appearance in 2013. Ross coached 17 seasons in Boston from 1924-1945, compiling a 387-290-95 record with a pair of Stanley Cup titles (1928-29, 1938-39).
Julien can take the top spot of the Bruins' all-time wins leaderboard on Saturday when the Eastern Conference leading Washington Capitals come to town.
Tune in to Saturday's Bruins-Capitals game on 98.5 The Sports Hub -- the flagship station of the Boston Bruins. Pregame coverage with Dave Goucher and Bob Beers begins at 6:30pm!