John Muckler was a Canadian ice hockey player and coach who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He began his career as a player in the minor leagues before becoming a coach in the NHL. Muckler was known for his ability to motivate players and his strategic thinking on the ice.
Muckler began his coaching career in the NHL in 1979 as an assistant coach for the Minnesota North Stars. He then moved on to become an assistant coach for the Edmonton Oilers in 1982. During his time with the Oilers, Muckler helped lead the team to five Stanley Cup championships in seven years. He was known for his ability to work with the team's star players, including Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier.
In 1991, Muckler became the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. He led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1999, but they ultimately lost to the Dallas Stars. Muckler was fired from the Sabres in 1997 after a disappointing season.
Muckler then moved on to become the head coach of the New York Rangers in 1997. He led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1997, but they were defeated by the Philadelphia Flyers. Muckler was fired from the Rangers in 2000 after a disappointing season.
Muckler then returned to the NHL as the general manager of the Ottawa Senators in 2001. He helped build the team into a contender, and they reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007. However, the Senators were defeated by the Anaheim Ducks in the Finals. Muckler was fired from the Senators in 2007 after a disappointing season.
Throughout his career, Muckler was known for his ability to motivate players and his strategic thinking on the ice. He was also known for his ability to work with star players and get the most out of them. Muckler's success as a coach and general manager in the NHL has made him one of the most respected figures in the sport.
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