NHL coaching legend Al Arbour dies

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New York Islanders head coach Al Arbour waves to fans as he leaves the ice with his wife Claire after returning to the Islanders to coach his 1500th hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)

Longtime NHL coach Al Arbour has died at 82. He lead the Islander to four straight Stanley Cups.  "The New York Islanders are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of legendary coach and dear friend Al Arbour. Al will always be remembered as one of, if not the, greatest coaches ever to stand behind a bench in the history of the National Hockey League,” said Islanders President and General Manager Garth Snow.

Arbour coached the Islanders for 19 seasons starting in 1973. 

He finished his coaching career with 740 career wins with the Islanders, which is also a NHL record for most with one club.

Arbour is survived by his wife Claire and children Joann, Jay, Julie and Janice.

With the Associated Press