The Washington Capitals fired coach Todd Reirden on Sunday, days after the team was ousted in the first round of the NHL playoffs.
Reirden was tasked with leading Washington following its first-ever Stanley Cup title. But in two seasons, the Capitals were bounced from the playoffs in the first round, most recently in a disappointing five-game series against the New York Islanders. The Capitals, in particular, looked lifeless and lost to former coach Barry Trotz.
“We have higher expectations for our team, and we felt a fresh approach in leadership was necessary,” general manager Brian MacLellan said in a statement.