More Therrien Ahead!

Michel Therrien has a little wiggle room, now that the Pens have extended the coach's contract another year through 2008/09.

Therrien's contract was to expire after next season.

Its only a one-year extension, so the Pens are keeping Michel on a short leash. They want to make sure this past season was no fluke. I personally would've liked to see a longer extension. Michel has been a great instructor to a young team that desperately needed discipline after the Eddie Olczyk experiment.

Did you see what Michel did last year? Finalist for the Jack Adams award...in his first full season in the 'Burgh.

Remember when Eddie Olczyk posed as a coach? Remember the 47 point jump from the season Therrien replaced Olczyk to last season? Remember that its the 4th best points jump in league history?

Am I asking too many questions?

No financial terms were discussed, but a raise is likely. Therrien's old contract called for him to make $600k.

Oh, and the Pens also signed defensemen Mark Ardelan and Deryk Engelland. Both guys played in the AHL last season, and are expected to hit up the Wilkes-Barre club this season.

Therrien Denied Coach of Year Honors

Michel Therrien did not get the Jack Adams Award, which is presented to the NHL Coach of the Year. That honor was bestowed on a man with a difficult name to pronounce, Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault.

While the Canucks did have a great year, Therrien deserved the Adams. Did you see the team before Therrien arrived last year?

Therrien was able to accept an award, as he spoke on behalf of Calder winner, Evgeni Malkin. Malkin did not attend the awards, because he was confused (I know I already used that joke, but its the truth. Malkin always looks confused).

PSaMP is happy that Lindy Ruff didn't get the Adams again. The dude's name is Lindy. And he looks like the cousin of bitter beer face. Simply put.