Mike Keenan's career in hockey coaching is marked by a series of high-profile appointments and a reputation for being a demanding and sometimes controversial figure behind the bench. Known for his intense coaching style, Keenan began his NHL coaching career with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1984. Under his leadership, the Flyers reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1985 and 1987, although they fell short of winning the championship both times.
Keenan's coaching journey continued with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he served as head coach from 1988 to 1992. During his tenure, the Blackhawks made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1992 but were defeated by the Pittsburgh Penguins. His time in Chicago was marked by a strong emphasis on discipline and a focus on defensive play, which helped the team achieve considerable success during the regular season and playoffs.
In 1993, Keenan took on the dual role of head coach and general manager with the New York Rangers. This period proved to be a highlight of his career, as he led the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup victory in 54 years in 1994. The triumph was a testament to his ability to motivate and manage a team filled with veteran talent and emerging stars. However, his tenure with the Rangers was short-lived due to disputes with management, leading to his departure shortly after the championship win.
Keenan's coaching career continued with stints at several other NHL teams, including the St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins, and Florida Panthers. Each of these roles presented unique challenges and opportunities, with varying degrees of success. His coaching style, characterized by a no-nonsense approach and high expectations, often led to friction with players and management, but also brought out strong performances from his teams.
In 2004, Keenan took a break from coaching in the NHL and transitioned to a role as a hockey analyst for television. However, his passion for coaching brought him back to the NHL in 2006 with the Calgary Flames. He coached the Flames for two seasons, leading them to the playoffs in both years, but was unable to advance past the first round.
Beyond the NHL, Keenan also had a stint coaching in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, where he achieved success by winning the Gagarin Cup in 2014. This victory made him the first coach to win championships in both the NHL and KHL, further cementing his legacy in the hockey world.
Throughout his career, Keenan was known for his ability to push players to their limits, often employing psychological tactics to motivate his teams.
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