Washington Capitals Let Go Of Head Coach Todd Reirden After 2 First-Round Playoff Exits

By Jordan Long

The Washington Capitals ended the regular season at 41-20-8 for 90 points.  They advanced to the round-robin phase of the NHL playoffs and were the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.  Unfortunately, it was another early playoff exit as they were bounced in the 1st-round by the New York Islanders in 5 games.  The Capitals decided it was time to move on from Head Coach Todd Reirden after two years on the job.

                Reirden took over as the Capitals’ Head Coach on June 29, 2018.  This was after Washington couldn’t agree to a new contract with Barry Trotz after winning the Cup that year.  Reirden spent 4 years behind the bench on Trotz’s staff since 2014.  Washington was hoping for the same success under him as they had with Trotz.  Trotz’s record was an impressive 205-89-34 with the Capitals and they reached the postseason every year with him including winning the Stanley Cup in 2018.  Reirden had large shoes to fill.

                In the 2018-2019 season, the Capitals went 48-26-8.  They lost in the 1st-round of the NHL playoffs to Carolina.  Washington was anticipating better results this year.   It didn’t happen.  Washington was outscored 17-8 including being shutout in game 5 by the New York Islanders who are now coached by Trotz. Washington determined Reardan’s failure in the postseason was enough to let him go.

                According to ESPN, Washington Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan said, “There was a continuity that we tried to duplicate with Todd to keep the same structure going forward. I think it worked for a while, and as we evolved, it started to slip, and it wasn’t working. I guess in hindsight, you could say we could’ve brought in a more experienced guy, but I thought that was the right decision at the right time for both the players and what we had going on in circumstances.”

                Washington’s front office feels this is the best move going forward.  They are letting a coach go who had an outstanding record in the regular season of 89-46-16, a winning percentage of .642 with two trips to the playoffs.  Many franchises would take that.  One in particular is the Buffalo Sabers who haven’t reached the postseason since 2012.

                The Capitals are going to start a coaching search.  They should look for one who has NHL playoff experience.   Whoever the next Head Coach is needs to take this franchise past the 1^st-round because making the postseason isn’t enough. 

                For Reirden, he will be on an NHL bench next year.  He has the knowledge of the NHL game.  Washington was wrong to let him go because of the success they had under him even though it didn’t show up in the playoffs.