Panthers extend contract for coach Gerard Gallant

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) Gerard Gallant has gotten an extension to remain coach of the Florida Panthers, one day after they announced a similar deal for general manager Dale Tallon.

Gallant's deal was announced Saturday, before the Panthers would play the New York Rangers. He will now be under contract through the 2018-19 season.

Gallant says he was thrilled by the deal, adding that he wants ''to continue to build on the recent success we've had and create a winning team for years to come.''

The Panthers went 11-3-0 in December, the third-best month in terms of winning percentage in team history. Florida, which has made the playoffs just once in the past 14 seasons, went into Saturday second in the Atlantic Division and fourth in the Eastern Conference.