"The Islanders officially announced on Tuesday something that most in the organization knew was coming for weeks: Jack Capuano will be retained as head coach.

Capuano was brought up from the Islanders' AHL affiliate in Bridgeport on Nov. 15 to replace the fired Scott Gordon, who started the season 4-10-3. With Capuano as the interim coach, the young team went 26-29-10, including a 15-12-6 mark after the All-Star Break.

"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," general manager Garth Snow said in a statement. "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."

Capuano dealt with a staggering amount of injuries with the team losing well over 600 man-games this season, hundreds more than the next closest team. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, as per team policy."