Andy Murray Gets Two-Year Extension

Coach Andy Murray, who led the Kings to consecutive 90-point seasons for the first time in the franchise’s history, signed a two-season contract extension that will keep him behind the bench until 2003-04.

Murray and General Manager Dave Taylor discussed an extension in January, agreeing to delay a formal agreement until season’s end. Assistant coaches Ray Bennett, Mark Hardy and Dave Tippett also are expected to sign extensions soon.

“We’ve been telling the players that this is the best place in the league to play,” Murray said. “We feel it’s the best place to coach.”

The Kings are 77-59-25-7 in two seasons under Murray. This past season, they advanced to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the second consecutive season. They defeated the Detroit Red Wings, four games to two, in the opening round before falling to the eventual champion Colorado Avalanche in seven games in the second round.

“I think there’s still a buzz in the city about our playoff run,” Murray said. “Probably the only people that didn’t walk away with a good feeling were the players and the coaching staff. We wanted to keep playing.”

In other news, the Hockey News named Taylor as its NHL executive of the year. Taylor was selected ahead of Lou Lamoriello, general manager of the New Jersey Devils, and Mario Lemieux, an owner and player for the Pittsburgh Penguins.