Struggling NHL Devils Stretch Hynes Coaching Contract

New York, Jan 3 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jan, 2019 ) :Despite matching a league low with only 15 wins in 39 starts this season, the NHL's New Jersey Devils agreed to a multi-year contract extension Thursday with coach John Hynes.

For Devils general manager Ray Shero, the move signals a long-term commitment to a rebuilding program under Hynes, a 43-year-old American who is 125-122 with 38 overtime or shootout losses in his fourth season guiding the Devils.

New Jersey won Stanley Cups in 1995, 2000 and 2003 and reached the final again in 2012, losing to Los Angeles. They have reached the playoffs only once since, falling to Tampa Bay in last season's first round under Hynes.

"He has cultivated a group of veteran leaders while helping our young players develop and gain experience," Shero said. "John is to be commended for the progress the team has made under his direction and this commitment shows that we are confident in the role he will play in our future success."The Devils began the season 4-0 but at 15-17 with seven overtime losses are 10 points behind Montreal for the final Eastern Conference playoff berth.

"We've established a standard in New Jersey of what we expect, how we act, how we practice and how we play," Hynes said. "We will continue to instill in our team the tenets of grit, compete and being a self-starter, as we build this brotherhood."