Pat Burns passed away yesterday afternoon at the age of 58. One of the most successful coaches in NHL history, he led the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and New Jersey Devils to a combined 501 victories. In 15 NHL seasons, he only missed the playoffs three times. Most of you who read this today will already have your own fond memories of Burns, and no words of mine will do him justice.
The Globe & Mail has a bit more on Burns this morning.
"Just as they will remember Pat for his success as a coach, hockey fans also will remember his humour, his honesty, his humanity and his courage," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "As it mourns the loss of an outstanding contributor to the game, the National Hockey League sends heartfelt condolences to Pat's family and friends."
More after the jump.
More on the passing of Pat Burns from:
Leafs links:
Gustavsson looks ready to take over
Stirup has some thoughts on the Leafs goaltending
Brian Spencer would look great as a Maple Leaf right now
VLM remembers a young forward who could help the Leafs up front
Dave Shoalts reports on the interesting circumstances of the trip to Montreal
