CapiCapitals Will Retain Coach tals Will Retain Coach
Bruce Boudreau has been given a contract to stay on as coach of the Washington Capitals, a reward for leading the team from last place in the league to the Southeast Division title and its first playoff appearance since 2003.
Capitals General Manager George McPhee said Wednesday that Boudreau was under contract “for a long time.” McPhee said it was his policy not to discuss details of coaches’ contracts.
Boudreau was promoted from the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears in late November to replace Glen Hanlon, who had been fired.
The Capitals were a league-worst 6-14-1 at the time. They went 37-17-7 under Boudreau to make the playoffs for the first time since 2003. They lost their first-round series against Philadelphia in seven games.
NBC EXTENDS CONTRACT NBC announced that it had decided to exercise its option and extend its contract to broadcast N.H.L. games next season. NBC will continue to televise Sunday afternoon games and some playoff games.
CANUCKS HIRE NEW G.M. The Vancouver Canucks hired Mike Gillis, an agent and former N.H.L. player, as their general manager. Gillis replaces Dave Nonis, who was fired April 14 after the Canucks finished the season 39-33-10 and missed the playoffs. Gillis, 49, signed a five-year dea