UNIONDALE, N.Y., April 12 (UPI) -- The New York Islanders said Tuesday they have decided to keep Jack Capuano as their head coach, removing "interim" from his title.
The NHL club didn't say how much they will pay Capuano or reveal the length of his contract.
Capuano, 44, has a 26-29-10 record since taking over the Islanders Nov. 15 after Scott Gordon was fired following a 4-10-3 start to the season. The Islanders missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
"We have made tremendous strides as a team this season under Jack's direction and I'm confident that he's the right person to lead the Islanders into the playoffs," Islanders General Manager Garth Snow said. "Jack's work ethic and familiarity with the numerous players on our roster has eased his adjustment to the NHL and we look forward to him taking the Islanders to the next level."
This is Capuano's first run as an NHL head coach. He coached the Islanders' AHL affiliate in Bridgeport before being promoted.
"I'm extremely excited to remain the head coach of the Islanders," Capuano said. "The organization has built a tremendous core of players here and I look forward to helping the Islanders become a consistent contender for years to come."
