As coach, Bergeron also devoted significant time to pursuing European players, adding the Stastny brothers after their defection from Czechoslovakia.
[3] His teams reached the postseason in each of seven years behind the Quebec bench, including two trips to the Wales Conference Finals.
[4][5] In spite of on-ice achievements, Bergeron's relationship with the Nordiques front office had become rather strained in recent years.
[6] Bergeron's first season in New York saw the Rangers in a battle with the upstart and rival, New Jersey Devils, for the final playoff spot in the Patrick Division.
[14][15][16] His 265 wins over two stints were the most in franchise history until current Avs coach Jared Bednar passed him in 2023.
[18][19][20][21] Bergeron earned the nicknames of "Le Tigre" ("The Tiger") and "Napoleon", in reference to his fiery temper, small stature, and French lineage.
TVA Sports recently acquired the rights to broadcast 20 regular season Montreal Canadiens games in French.