BOSTON – The Boston Bruins had a November to remember and then got December off to a rousing start, signing top-line center David Krejci to a three-year contract extension.

The deal was announced Thursday by General Manager Peter Chiarelli, one day after the Bruins finished November 12-0-1 with a 6-3 win over Toronto.

Krejci, a six-year veteran, played a key role in the Bruins’ run to the Stanley Cup championship last season. He led the NHL with 23 postseason points, including 11 goals.

Krejci’s new deal carries an annual salary-cap hit of $5.25 million, Chiarelli said. The center could have become a restricted free agent next summer.

“David’s biggest asset is his head. He sees the ice so well, he makes plays, he uses the players around him. He’s very competitive,” Chiarelli said. “He’s got a very well-rounded game.”

DUCKS: Anaheim fired Coach Randy Carlyle and hired former Washington coach Bruce Boudreau, who was dismissed by the Capitals on Monday.

The Ducks made the abrupt move after beating Montreal 4-1 on Wednesday night for the club’s third victory in 19 games, snapping a seven-game skid.

Carlyle coached the Ducks to their only Stanley Cup title in 2007, but struggled to get his talented club’s attention this season. Anaheim is off to a perplexing 7-13-4 start.

The Ducks also fired assistant coaches Dave Farrish and Mike Foligno, and video coordinator Joe Trotta.

MIKE GRIER is retiring after a 14-season career that featured stints with four teams, including two stops with Buffalo.

Grier, who helped Boston University beat Maine in the 1995 NCAA championship game, finished with 162 goals and 221 assists in 1,060 regular-season games. He also played for Edmonton, Washington and San Jose.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

PENGUINS 2, CAPITALS 1: Chris Kunitz scored the tiebreaking goal at 2:36 of the third period to give Pittsburgh a win at Washington.

RANGERS 5, HURRICANES 3: Ryan McDonagh, Marian Gaborik and Sean Avery scored in a 4:53 span of the second period for visiting New York.

 

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