Simply Claude: B's Coach Earns 500th Victory

With Boston's victory over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday afternoon, Bruins head coach Claude Julien earned his 500th career NHL victory, making him the 23rd coach in league history to reach the milestone.

Julien, who has been with the Bruins since 2007, picked up 381st victory behind the B's bench, moving just 6 wins shy of tying Art Ross for the most victories by a head coach in franchise history.

Julien's 61.1% points percentage ranks 12th among coaches with over 200 games coached. Impressive for a man whose been on the hot seat repeatedly since 2009.

Often criticized for his penchant to employ an army of less-skilled, grinder-types as depth forwards, the balding 55-year-old man affectionately known as Claude is currently the longest-tenured coach in the NHL. His two Stanley Cup appearances since 2011 are often overlooked in a market where fans live to complain.

In the midst of perhaps his best coaching job since arriving to Boston, the Julien's Bruins currently sit in second-place in the Atlantic Division (30-19-6, 66 PTS).

I hope Claude stays for years and years, but that's just my humble and correct opinion. And for those who wanted him gone last offseason? Claude has a message for you:

He was also quoted as saying: