Scotty Bowman

Architect of the Canadiens' 1970s dynasty

Scotty Bowman is a Canadian former professional ice hockey head coach who holds the record for most wins in NHL history. He won nine Stanley Cup championships as head coach, including five with the Montreal Canadiens (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979).

Quick Facts

Born

18 September 1933

Birthplace

Verdun, Quebec, Canada

Hall of Fame

1991 (Builder)

Coached for

St. Louis Blues
Montreal Canadiens
Buffalo Sabres
Pittsburgh Penguins
Detroit Red Wings

Lore & Background

Bowman coached the Montreal Canadiens from 1971 to 1979. His team lost in the first round of the playoffs in 1972 but won the Stanley Cup in 1973. From 1976 to 1979, Bowman won four consecutive Stanley Cups with a talented Canadiens squad. He stepped down after the 1978–79 season due to a falling-out with ownership after being passed over for the general manager position.

Reader's Guide

Bowman's Canadiens won the Stanley Cup in 1973 and then four consecutive Cups from 1976 to 1979. They made the playoffs each season but lost in the first round in 1972, 1974, and 1975. Bowman remains second all-time in Canadiens history in both wins and winning percentage, behind Toe Blake.

Did You Know?

Bowman won the Jack Adams Award in 1977 and 1996.
In the 1976–77 season, Bowman's Canadiens won a record 60 games, breaking his own record of 58 wins the year before.
Bowman's eight losses in 1976–77 are a modern record for the fewest defeats incurred.