Panthers' Maurice becomes 2nd head coach to 2,000 games
Paul Maurice coached his 2,000th NHL game Monday when his Florida Panthers beat the Seattle Kraken 5-4 in a shootout.
Maurice joined Scotty Bowman as the only head coaches to reach the milestone. Bowman coached 2,141 total games, a mark Maurice is on track to reach during the 2027-28 season.
"I don't feel like 2,000 is the end of it for me," Maurice said postgame, according to team reporter Jameson Olive. "It wasn't hang out until a number. ... We like our group. We like what we've built. I love coming to the rink, and I love working here. I love living in Florida, and I love these guys."
An all-time milestone for an all-time coach 👏 pic.twitter.com/qxirzxcRGR
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 24, 2026
Rick Bowness owns the NHL record for most games coached. The Columbus Blue Jackets bench boss has served as head coach, assistant, or associate for 2,751 contests and counting.
Maurice got his first NHL gig in 1995 with the Hartford Whalers when he was 28 years old. The 59-year-old has also coached the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Winnipeg Jets.
The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, native won his first Stanley Cup in his 26th season in 2024 with Florida, and he followed it up with another in 2025.
Maurice now owns an all-time record of 951-799-151 with 99 ties. He ranks third in wins behind Bowman (1,244) and Anaheim Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville (1,008).