Well, that was a pretty good start to the Brad Larsen era.
With his Blue Jackets' 8-2 blowout of the Coyotes in the season opener Thursday night, Larsen not only notched his first career win as an NHL head coach, but he also became just the second coach in franchise history to get a win in his first game behind the bench.
Larsen cautioned against heaping too much praise on him, though.
“You gotta be careful because I don't think we played that well,” he said following the game. “I really don't. We found ways to score, and that's awesome. We have such a better game in us, but I'm not here to criticize the guys.”
Although happy for the win, Larsen didn't see the lopsided final score coming.
“I'm surprised at the outcome,” Larsen said. “That we filled the net like that and got some fortunate bounces, but hey, someone said you never criticize a win.”
Larsen went 92–45–15 with the AHL's Springfield Falcons from 2012-14. His Blue Jackets are back in action at Nationwide Arena Saturday to take on the Seattle Kraken in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.
| Coach | Date | Opponent | Result | First Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRAD LARSEN | Oct. 14, 2021 |
 Arizona Coyotes
|
W, 8-2 | Game 1 |
| JOHN TORTORELLA | Oct. 22, 2015 |
 Minnesota Wild
|
L, 3-2 | Game 2 |
| TODD RICHARDS | Jan. 10, 2012 |
 Chicago Blackhawks
|
L, 5-2 | Game 2 |
| SCOTT ARNIEL | Oct. 8, 2010 |
 San Jose Sharks
|
L, 3-2 | Game 2 |
| KEN HITCHCOCK | Nov. 24, 2006 |
 Philadelphia Flyers
|
L, 3-2 | Game 2 |
| GERARD GALLANT | Jan. 2, 2004 |
 Tampa Bay Lightning
|
W, 2-0 | Game 1 |
| DOUG MacLEAN | Oct. 9, 2003 |
 Atlanta Thrashers
|
L, 2-1 | Game 2 |
| DAVE KING | Oct. 7, 2000 |
Chicago Blackhawks
|
L, 5-3 | Game 3 |
