Blues decide to extend contract for coach Murray through 2010-11

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues exercised their option to keep coach Andy Murray through the 2010-11 season.

Murray led St. Louis to a 41-31-10 record last season, including a 25-9-7 second-half surge that put the Blues in the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

"I've been treated fairly here," Murray said. "There's a sense of appreciation."

Team president John Davidson said Murray, who long has had a reputation as a teaching coach, is the right man to lead the Blues.

"When he has a little tough love and the players react properly, they know it's for the right reason," Davidson said. "He can squeeze a little blood out of a stone, there's no question."

Murray became coach in St. Louis in December 2006. He coached the Los Angeles Kings from 1999 through 2006. He is 316-261-121, including 101-85-32 with the Blues.

"I still think we have a lot of work to do," Murray said. "As soon as you start getting too far ahead of yourself, you start to slow down, and when you slow down, people start to catch you and pass you."

"There are still a lot of people in front of us that we're shooting for."