Trivia

Did not qualify for the NHL playoffs only twice during his coaching career. (1986 & 1987 Buffalo Sabres)

Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991

Regarded as one of the greatest hockey coaches in history.

Won a record 9 Stanley Cups (as of the end of the 2003-2004 season).

Won 2 Jack Adams Awards (Best Head coach).

Coached the Eastern Professional Hockey League Hull-Ottawa Canadiens (1962-1963), National Hockey League St. Louis Blues (1967-1971), Montreal Canadiens (1971-1979), Buffalo Sabres (1979-1987), Pittsburgh Penguins (1991-1993), Detroir Red Wings (1993-2002).

Holds the record for most wins by a head coach in the NHL with 1,244 (As of the end of the 2003-2004 season. He also holds the record for highest winning percentage at .654.

Led the Detroit Red Wings to the Stanley Cup in 1997. Their first in 42 years.

During the 1995-996 regular season, his Detroit Red Wings set a new record for regular season wins with 62. He beat his own previous record of 60 previously set with the 1976-1977 Montreal Canadiens.

Retired after the 2001-2002 season.

He wanted to be a hockey player, but a head injury in junior hockey lead to his retirement.