Anaheim, CA – The Anaheim Ducks officially locked up new year contract on Thursday.
Boudreau was unemployed for less than three days -- an NHL record -- as he was fired by the Washington Capitals on Monday and hired by Anaheim early Thursday morning.
"We've got a lot of work to do and a hill to climb. This group has faced adversity before and we'll do it again," said Ducks general manager Bob Murray. "I truly believe this group can do it. I feel we have the gentleman here who can lead us in that direction."
Boudreau replaced Randy Carlyle, who was fired shortly after Wednesday's victory over the Canadiens, which improved the club's record to 7-13-4.
"This team needs to believe in themselves. That's the message right now, is for them to believe in themselves," Boudreau said. "It's going to take time, but I think we can do it in the next four months. I told them this morning I believe in them."
The 56-year-old had guided Washington to first-place finishes in the Southeast Division in each of the past four years after taking over behind the bench on November 22, 2007. However, the talent-laden team never advanced past the second round of the playoffs and was off to a middling start (12-9-1) despite beginning the year with seven straight wins.
Boudreau had a record of 201-88-40 in the regular season and reached the 200- win plateau faster than any coach in modern NHL history, but the team managed only a 17-20 mark in the playoffs.
He'll make his Ducks coaching debut on Friday against Philadelphia, just as he did in his foray behind the Washington bench.