NHL History: Calgary Flames hire Bob Johnson today in 1982

Today in 1982, the Calgary Flames hired their fourth coach in franchise history, Bob Johnson.

Johnson took over from Al MacNeil, who came with the organization from Atlanta to Calgary in the 1980 move.

While MacNeil’s first year in Calgary was successful posting a 39-27-14 record and a run into the third round of the playoffs, his second year faltered.

In 1981-82, Calgary posted a 29-34-17 record failing to make the playoffs. He was subsequently let go that offseason and in came Bob Johnson. Over five years, he was a key cog in the machine that kept the Flames running and remains the winningest coach in franchise history.

His 193 wins have yet to be matched. Johnson’s Flames make the playoffs in each of the five years he was behind the bench and included a conference championship in 1985-86. Calgary lost in the finals that year to the Montreal Canadiens.

Five strong regular seasons weren’t enough, however, as Johnson was let go by the Flames after the 1986-87 season and he moved onto a role with USA Hockey.

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