History of Mike Milbury in Timeline

Michael James Milbury is a former American professional ice hockey player and current sports announcer. He dedicated all twelve seasons of his NHL career to the Boston Bruins, notably contributing to the team's Stanley Cup Finals appearances in 1977 and 1978. Following his playing career, Milbury transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a prominent hockey analyst.

June 17, 1952: Birth of Mike Milbury

Mike Milbury was born on June 17, 1952.

1972: Starts College Hockey Career

Mike Milbury began his college hockey career as a three-year letterman at Colgate University in 1972.

1973: Co-leads Team in Assists, Leads in Penalty Minutes

In 1973, during his junior year at Colgate, Mike Milbury co-led the team in assists and led the team in penalty minutes.

November 5, 1974: Signs with Boston Bruins

Mike Milbury signed with the Boston Bruins as a free agent on November 5, 1974.

1974: Finishes College Hockey Career

Mike Milbury finished his college hockey career at Colgate University in 1974.

1975: Leads Rochester Americans in Penalty Minutes

In 1975, Mike Milbury led the Rochester Americans in penalty minutes while playing in the AHL.

1975: Promoted to the Boston Bruins

Mike Milbury was promoted to the Boston Bruins late in the 1975–76 season and played in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

1976: Again Leads Rochester Americans in Penalty Minutes

Mike Milbury again led the Rochester Americans in penalty minutes in 1976.

1976: Plays for United States in Canada Cup

Milbury played for the United States at the inaugural 1976 Canada Cup.

1977: First Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

As a member of the Boston Bruins, Milbury reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1977, losing to the Montreal Canadiens.

1978: Second Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

In 1978, Mike Milbury and the Boston Bruins again made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, losing to the Montreal Canadiens for the second consecutive year.

December 23, 1979: Shoe Incident at Madison Square Garden

On December 23, 1979, following a Bruins victory, Milbury was involved in an altercation with a fan in the stands at Madison Square Garden, hitting the fan with his shoe.

1981: Accumulates Over 200 Penalty Minutes

Milbury accumulated over 200 penalty minutes during the 1981 season.

1983: Again Accumulates Over 200 Penalty Minutes

In 1983, Milbury again accumulated over 200 penalty minutes.

1989: Becomes Bruins Head Coach, Wins Presidents' Trophy

In the 1989-90 season, Mike Milbury became the head coach of the Boston Bruins, leading them to the Presidents' Trophy and the Stanley Cup Finals.

1991: Coaches Wales Conference All-Star Team

Mike Milbury coached the Wales Conference All-Star Team in 1991, causing controversy with his roster choices.

March 30, 1994: Announced as Boston College Head Coach

On March 30, 1994, Mike Milbury was announced as the next head coach for the Boston College Eagles.

June 2, 1994: Leaves Boston College

On June 2, 1994, Mike Milbury left Boston College before coaching a single game, citing "philosophical differences" with the school's athletic department.

1995: Hired as New York Islanders Coach and General Manager

Mike Milbury was hired as the coach and general manager of the New York Islanders in 1995.

January 1997: Steps Down as Islanders Coach

Milbury stepped down from his coaching position with the Islanders in January 1997 but continued as general manager.

1999: Trades Žigmund Pálffy

In 1999, Milbury traded star scorer Žigmund Pálffy due to budgetary constraints imposed by team ownership.

2000: Drafts Rick DiPietro First Overall

In the 2000 NHL draft, Milbury chose Rick DiPietro with the first overall pick.

2001: Trades for Alexei Yashin

Milbury traded for Alexei Yashin in 2001, including the second overall draft pick (which became Jason Spezza) in the deal.

June 2006: Steps Down as Islanders GM

Milbury stepped down as Islanders general manager in June 2006.

May 2007: Resigns from Wang's Sports Holdings

Mike Milbury resigned from his position with Charles Wang's sports holdings in May 2007.

2007: Begins NHL on NBC career

Mike Milbury began working as a television color commentator and analyst for the NHL on NBC in 2007.

2007: Hired as Studio Analyst

Milbury was hired as a studio analyst for several networks, including NESN, NBC, Versus, and TSN, for the 2007-08 season.

July 2008: Signs with Hockey Night in Canada

In July 2008, Milbury signed a two-year contract with Hockey Night in Canada.

2009: Comments on Fighting Ban

Milbury made controversial comments about a potential fighting ban in the NHL in 2009.

June 2011: Milbury's 'Thelma & Louise' Comment

In June 2011, after game four of the Stanley Cup Finals, Mike Milbury made a controversial comment by referring to Vancouver Canucks twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin as 'Thelma & Louise.' This comment came after the Bruins defeated the Canucks 4–0 to even the series. The Sedin twins and others criticized Milbury for his remarks, with Daniel Sedin expressing anger over how Milbury might view women. These comments highlighted Milbury's history of making jokes at the expense of women.

December 9, 2011: Assault Allegation at Pee-Wee Hockey Game

On December 9, 2011, Mike Milbury was charged with assault and battery on a child, threats, and disorderly conduct following an incident at a Pee-Wee hockey game he was coaching. Milbury allegedly intervened in a fight involving his son and another player. The charges led to Milbury and NBC agreeing for him to step away from broadcasting temporarily.

December 2011: Charges Dropped Against Milbury

In December 2011, following a court appearance, all charges against Mike Milbury related to an incident at a Pee-Wee hockey game were dropped. The court found insufficient evidence to proceed with the charges. Milbury expressed gratitude and maintained he acted responsibly during the incident.

April 2012: Controversial Comment about Dan Bylsma

In April 2012, Mike Milbury made another controversial remark during a game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers. He suggested Penguins coach Dan Bylsma should have 'taken off his skirt' to confront Flyers' coach Peter Laviolette. This comment was part of a pattern of Milbury's disparaging remarks, often directed at women or using gendered language.

2017: Criticism for Comments on P. K. Subban

In 2017, Mike Milbury faced criticism for calling Nashville Predators' player P. K. Subban 'a clown' and suggesting he deserved a 'rap on the head' for his pre-game warmup routine. The comments, made during the Stanley Cup Finals, led to backlash from fans who taunted Milbury during the series. NBC was accused of offering bribes to fans to remove critical signs about Milbury.

August 2020: Milbury's Comment on Women During Playoffs

In August 2020, during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Mike Milbury made disparaging comments about women, suggesting their absence in the bubble system helped players concentrate. These comments were widely condemned and led to Milbury stepping away from broadcasting for the rest of the playoffs. This incident was a significant factor leading to his firing by NBC.

January 11, 2021: Milbury's Departure from NBC

On January 11, 2021, NBC announced that Mike Milbury would no longer be part of its broadcast lineup for the 2021 NHL season. This decision came after a series of controversial comments Milbury made in 2020, culminating in his decision to step away from broadcasting during the playoffs. The announcement marked the end of Milbury's tenure with NBC.