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Pittsburgh Penguins: Top 5 Coaches in Team History

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

Jan 20, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan looks on from behind the players bench against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 7-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan looks on from behind the players bench against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 7-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 14, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the Stanley Cup and NHL Logo before the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the Stanley Cup and NHL Logo before the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

1: Scotty Bowman

Record: 95-53-16

Achievements: 1992 Stanley Cup winner with the Penguins

What’s there to say about Bowman that hasn’t been said already? He has coached for several years and several different teams with which he won a record nine Stanley Cups. Out of these nine, only one was with the Penguins, but the two seasons he spent in Pittsburgh were remarkable.

After previous head coach and Stanley Cup winner Bob Johnson was diagnosed with brain cancer, Bowman took over as head coach. The Penguins repeated as Cup champions in 1992 under his guidance.

The 1992-93 season was even more spectacular however. Even though they did not win the Cup that year, the records they set were amazing. The Penguins had their first 100-point season in franchise history under Bowman that season. Their 119 points ended up being the league’s best record and still holds as the franchise record. That season’s Penguins also set the NHL record for consecutive wins with 17–a record that still has yet to be broken.

After the 1992-93 season, Bowman went on to become the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings. His stint with the Penguins was short, but in retrospect he achieved the most for this franchise. You may argue that other coaches have won one Cup as well, but on top of that championship Bowman also achieved many feats for this team. It is this reason why I think he is the greatest coach in Penguins history.

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