Bowman Coaches Record 1,607th Game

Detroit’s Scotty Bowman became the NHL’s career leader in games coached Friday night when he coached his 1,607th game as the Red Wings defeated the Dallas Stars 2-1.

Bowman, who also made coaching stops in St. Louis, Montreal, Buffalo and Pittsburgh, surpassed former St. Louis and New York Islanders coach Al Arbour.

Bowman, also the career leader in victories in his 24th season, brought his record to 939-428-240 with Friday’s win and his .659 regular-season winning percentage is the best of anyone who has coached at least 600 games.

Last season, the Red Wings became the 10th Bowman-coached team to appear in the Stanley Cup finals.

He has also coached six Stanley Cup champions, two behind career leader Toe Blake. Bowman is attempting to become the first coach to win the Stanley Cup with three different teams (five with Montreal, one with Pittsburgh).

The Red Wings extended their winning streak to eight games with Friday’s victory and are the holders of the best record in the Western Conference (26-7-2).

Stars coach Bob Gainey is one of 24 former Bowman players to coach in the NHL.