Wilson had previously been the head coach for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (1993-1997), Washington Capitals (1997-2002), and San Jose Sharks (2002-2008). During Wilson's tenure, the Sharks were the only NHL team to win at least one playoff round in each of his final four years in San Jose. Wilson led the Sharks to the Western Conference Final for the first time in their history in 2004, and led them to the Conference Semifinals in 2006, 2007 and 2008. His Sharks teams won two Pacific Division championships (2004 and 2008); twice finished second in their division, and twice posted the second-best point total in the Western Conference. From 2003-2008, no team appeared in more Stanley Cup playoff rounds (nine) other than the Detroit Red Wings (10). San Jose had the third-most NHL playoff series victories (five) behind Detroit (seven) and Anaheim (six) during that time. With a record of 206-134-45 (W-L-O/T) Wilson surpassed Darryl Sutter as the Sharks’ all-time wins leader on March 1, 2008. He is also the team’s leader in post-season games coached with a 28-24 mark in 52 playoff games. With the Washington Capitals, Wilson compiled a record of 192-167-51. His tenure in the United States' capital was highlighted by the team’s only trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 1998. Wilson moving up all-time wins list Prior to spending five seasons with the Capitals, Wilson had served as the first head coach of the expansion Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 1993, and he led the team to the post-season for the very first time in the 1996-97 season. In 12 full NHL seasons (minimum 82 games in a season) as head coach, Wilson’s teams have reached the post-season eight times, won four division titles, won one conference title, reached at least 90 points seven times, reached at least 100 points four times, reached at least 40 wins seven times and reached 50 wins once (51 in 2006-07, which is a Sharks record). |