Pat Burns, a revered figure in the world of professional hockey, began his NHL coaching career with the Montreal Canadiens. His journey in the NHL started in 1988 when he took the helm of the Canadiens, leading them to the Stanley Cup Finals in his first season. Burns quickly gained a reputation for his defensive coaching style and ability to turn teams into formidable contenders.

During his tenure with the Canadiens, Burns won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's Coach of the Year in 1989, a testament to his immediate impact on the team. After four seasons with Montreal, he moved on to coach the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1992. Under his guidance, the Maple Leafs reached the Conference Finals in consecutive seasons (1993 and 1994), a feat that had eluded the team for years. His success in Toronto earned him a second Jack Adams Award in 1993.

Burns' coaching career continued with the Boston Bruins, where he served as head coach from 1997 to 2000. His tenure with the Bruins was marked by a return to the playoffs, further solidifying his reputation as a coach who could revitalize struggling teams. In 1998, he was awarded his third Jack Adams Award, making him the only coach in NHL history to win the award with three different teams.

In 2002, Burns took on the role of head coach for the New Jersey Devils. His strategic acumen and leadership were instrumental in guiding the Devils to a Stanley Cup victory in 2003. This achievement was a crowning moment in his career, as it marked his first and only Stanley Cup championship as a head coach.

Throughout his career, Burns was known for his intense coaching style and ability to motivate players. His teams were often characterized by strong defensive play and disciplined performances on the ice. Burns' coaching career came to an end in 2004 when he stepped down due to health issues.

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