OTTAWA, May 27 (UPI) -- Ottawa Coach Jacques Martin and his staff had their options picked up for the 2003-04 NHL season, Senators General Manager John Muckler announced Tuesday.
"This team has been very successful under the guidance of Jacques and his staff, and we are excited to have them all back for another season and another run at the Stanley Cup," Muckler said in a statement.
Martin guided the Senators to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in club history. They won Game Six in New Jersey and had a chance to win the series on their home ice but suffered a 3-2 loss.
Martin took some criticism for not playing highly touted rookie Jason Spezza until Game Five of the series against the Devils. Once on the ice, the 19-year-old Spezza registered a goal and an assist.
Also returning are assistants Don Jackson, Perry Pearn and Roger Neilson, who is stricken with cancer.
Heading into his eighth full season with the Senators, Martin is 298-226-86, guiding the club to three Northeast Division titles and this year's President's Trophy for the league's best record. Martin, 50, has been nominated for the Jack Adams Award four times, including this year. He won the award in 1999.
Among NHL coaches, only Carolina's Paul Maurice has been with his current team longer than Martin.
