The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Monday that the team has signed head coach Michel Therrien to a contract extension through the 2008-09 season.

Therrien led the Penguins to a 47-24-11 record (105 points) during the 2006-07 season, a 47-point improvement over the previous campaign.

Therrien also guided the Penguins into the playoffs for the first time since the 2000-01 season.

The Penguins finished second place in the Atlantic Division, missing first by a mere two points. The success of the season helped Therrien to be named one of three finalist for the Jack Adams Award which is presented the NHL's outstanding coach.

Therrien was originally promoted to head coach of the Penguins in December of 2005.

He was previously the coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the American Hockey League for parts of three seasons, compiling an overall record of 94-81-10.

Therrien also coached parts of three seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, leading them to the playoffs in 2002.