Al Arbour, who coached Islanders to 4 Cup titles, dies at 82
UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Al Arbour, who coached the New York Islanders to four consecutive Stanley Cup championships and ranks as the NHL's second-most winningest coach, has died, team officials announced Friday. He was 82.
The cause of death is unclear, though Arbor was battling a lengthy illness and had been living in Florida. Arbour transitioned from a successful 14-season NHL playing career as a defenseman to become one of the league's all-time best coaches.
Beginning in 1973-74, Arbour led the Isles to 15 playoff appearances and won an NHL record 119 playoff games over 19 seasons. His 740 career regular-season wins are the most with one NHL team. He retired after the 1993-94 season, before returning to coach his 1,500th game on Nov. 3, 2007.
"Al will always be remembered as one of, if not, the greatest coaches ever to stand behind a bench in the history of the National Hockey League," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said in a statement. "The New York Islanders franchise has four Stanley Cups to its name, thanks in large part to Al's incredible efforts. From his innovative coaching methods, to his humble way of life away from the game, Al is one of the reasons the New York Islanders are a historic franchise. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Arbour family."
Arbour was elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996.
According to CBSSports.com, during his playing days, he scored 12 goals and recorded 58 assists in 14 seasons. He was also the very first captain in St. Louis Blues franchise history.