NHL coaching legend Al Arbour passed away Friday, the New York Islanders announced. His wife Claire and four children, Joann, Jay, Julie and Janice, survive the legendary coach. He was 82 years old.

"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," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said in a released statement. "The New York Islanders franchise has four Stanley Cups to its name, thanks in large part to Al's incredible efforts. From his innovative coaching methods, to his humble life away from the game, Al is one of the reasons the New York Islanders are a historic franchise. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Arbour family."

As noted by a CBSSports.com report, Arbour was a defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues, but was best known for his time spent as a coach"”compiling 782 career wins with the Blues and Islanders"”second most in league history just behind Scotty Bowman.

Arbour was called up by the Islanders to be their coach before the 1973-74 season, as the team came off a dismal season that saw them manage only 12 wins. Arbour quickly made his mark, leading the team to the postseason in just two seasons under his watch.

He would eventually lead the Islanders to four straight Stanley Cups from 1980-83, and play for another one in 1984, when they were edged by the Edmonton Oilers. Arbour coached for two more seasons following that finals loss and would move on to a front office post as the vice president of player development.

That post didn't last for long, as he came back to the bench to replace Terry Simpson in the 1988-89 season. The Islanders rediscovered their form under him, making the playoffs in three of the legendary coach's final five seasons.