Congratulations to Claude Julien on win # 400

Dec 23, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julien watches his team play against the Nashville Predators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. The Bruins beat the Predators 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Claude Julien led the Boston Bruins to his 400th career NHL win tonight. Julien has been one of the pieces of the puzzle for the Bruins. When Julien arrived, the Bruins were the last place team in the old Northeast Division. When Julien took over at the start of the 2007-08 season, the Bruins looked as if they were going to continue with their last place ways. The coach brought a whole new playing style to the Bruins, and made changes that are still felt today in the hearts of every member of Bruins Nation.

Julien has led the team to the playoffs every year he has been the head coach. He is the biggest part of the trinity of the revitalization of the Bruins organization.  Cam Neely brought a face and an excellent leadership style to the organization. Peter Chiarelli has done as excellent job at administrating the team and running the franchise. Claude Julien was the man in the field who shaped the team, and brought his three zone, defensive minded hockey to Boston. His dedication made the team better. He’s also the guy who led the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup win in thirty nine years.

Claude Julien’s name hangs in tribute in some rinks in Canada. His legacy and career performance will one day earn his name a spot in the rafters of the TD Garden. He’s brought pride and respect back to the Bruins organization. The Bruins are respected (or outright loathed) by most hockey fans. Why? In the last decade, that respect has come from a man who was able to merge classic old time hockey with the playing style of the twenty-first century. Congratulations on your well earned win Coach. You’ve made all of us in the Nation proud to have you lead our team to victory.