Robert John Murdoch (born November 20, 1946 in Kirkland Lake, Ontario) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and Coach.
Contents |
Murdoch played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Flames and Calgary Flames and who coached 10 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets and San Jose Sharks.[1]
Murdoch won two Stanley Cup in 1971 and 1973.
Murdoch coached 80 games with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 1987–88 season, compiling a record of 30–41–9, with a .413 win percentage. He was succeed as Hawk coach by Mike Keenan the following season.[2]
During the 1989–1990 season, Murdoch was named the head coach of the Winnipeg Jets. After missing the playoffs the previous season, the Jets went 37–32–11 for 85 points and 3rd in the Smythe Division, making the playoffs but losing to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Edmonton Oilers in seven games. Murdoch was seen as an important part of the Jets quick turn around, winning the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's coach of the year.
Despite the success of the previous season, however, the Jets struggled in 1990–1991, finishing in the Smythe Division cellar at 26–43–11, and missing the playoffs completely. Murdoch was fired at seasons end, being replaced by John Paddock.
Murdoch would become an Associate Coach for the San Jose Sharks during the 1991–1992 and 1992–1993 NHL seasons. Afterwards, he departed for Europe, and has since coached several teams in Germany's DEL.
| Team | Year | Regular season | Post season | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | L | T | Pts | Division rank | Result | ||
| CHI | 1987–88 | 80 | 30 | 41 | 9 | 69 | 3rd in Norris | Lost in First round |
| WPG | 1989–90 | 80 | 37 | 32 | 11 | 85 | 3rd in Smythe | Lost in First round |
| WPG | 1990–91 | 80 | 26 | 43 | 11 | 63 | 5th in Smythe | Missed Playoffs |
| Total | 240 | 93 | 116 | 31 | 217 | |||
| Preceded by Rick Bowness |
Head coach of the original Winnipeg Jets 1989–91 |
Succeeded by John Paddock |
| Preceded by Bob Pulford |
Head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks 1987-88 |
Succeeded by Mike Keenan |
| Preceded by Bryan Murray |
Head coach of the Ottawa Senators 2007-08 |
Succeeded by Bryan Murray |
| Preceded by Pat Burns |
Winner of the Jack Adams Award 1990 |
Succeeded by Brian Sutter |