PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins gave coach Michel Therrien a one-year contract extension through the 2008-09 season after guiding the team to the playoffs for the first time in six years.

The Penguins finished second in the Atlantic Division, two points behind the New Jersey Devils.

Therrien, whose current deal was to expire after the upcoming season, led the team to a 47-24-11 record last season. The 47-point improvement was one of the biggest single-season turnarounds in NHL history.

After the Penguins hired general manager Ray Shero, Therrien began last season with an uncertain future. By April, he was a strong contender for NHL coach of the year.

“I think he did a great job last year with our group and we’re looking forward to having him back for at least two more years and hopefully more,” Shero said on the team’s Web site.

Therrien was hired by Pittsburgh in 2005 after several successful seasons coaching the Montreal Canadiens and the Penguins’ AHL affiliate.

Pittsburgh also announced the signings of defensemen Mark Ardelan and Deryk Engelland.

Ardelan, 24, comes from the AHL’s Iowa Stars. Ardelan’s 38-point total was 14th among AHL defensemen. Engelland, 25, played with the AHL’s Hershey Bears last season.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)