In the first edition of “The Metro Report” let’s check in on the Washington Capitals.
Since winning the franchise’s first ever Stanley Cup in 2018, the Capitals have been eliminated in the 1st round in each of the last two seasons. One man in particular has taken the blame for such disappointing results and that’s now former head coach, Todd Reirden.
After winning the Stanley Cup, many people around the NHL were shocked, as General Manager Brian MacLellan decided Barry Trotz wasn’t worth his $5,000,000 asking price. Seemingly admitting his mistake 2 years after hiring Reirden to replace Trotz, the Capitals would be once again in the market for a new head coach.
With the Capitals roster being much the same as when they won the Stanley Cup, the 1st round exits felt even more disappointing. Towards the end of this season the Capitals were fading. Seemingly saved by the COVID stoppage as they hung on to win the Metro by 1 point over a surging Flyers team.
After being eliminated by the franchise’s preceding coach in Barry Trotz, MacLellan almost had to move on from Reirden. Kudos to him for recognizing his mistake. Fast forward a few weeks and the Caps have their new coach in Peter Laviolette. Flyers fans in particular are disappointed to learn the former Flyers bench boss will now coach their Metro division rivals.
OFFICIAL | The 19th head coach in Washington Capitals history will be Peter Laviolette
Full Details: https://t.co/TDfdXi9zbz#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/yaJr15oGsX
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 15, 2020
Lavi, as he’s affectionately known, had been coaching the Nashville Predators since 2014-15 before being fired earlier in the 2019-20 season. During his time with Nashville, Lavi lead his 3rd NHL franchise to a Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Falling just short against former and now once again Metro Division rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins.
As an unbiased fan I love the move for the Capitals. They’re still in “win now mode” with players like Ovechkin, Carlson, Backstrom, and Kuznetsov still performing like superstars. With a roster filled with NHL veterans, this team is built for a coach like Laviolette.
As a Flyers fan I’m not thrilled with the hiring. Laviolette was a coach most fans loved and his track record speaks for itself. Laviolette is 1 of just 4 coaches in NHL history to take 3 different teams to the Stanley Cup Finals. Hoisting the trophy with Carolina in 05-06.
Lavi certainly has the skill on the roster and we all know he’s one of the greatest motivators in the NHL. A coach like Laviolette could be just what the Capitals need after two early playoff eliminations.
Heading into an off-season like no other, the Capitals find themselves in a decent position salary cap wise. With most of the roster under contract, the Capitals have just two RFA’s in Travis Boyd and defenseman Jonas Seigenthaler.
With 8.9m to spend, the Capitals have just 4 defensemen currently under contract with Brendan Dillon and Radko Gudas ready to hit free agency.
Washington’s long time franchise goaltender, Brayden Holtby, will likely hit the open market in free agency and the Capitals will rely on young stud goaltender, Ilya Samsonov.
With the hiring of Peter Laviolette and some smart off-season signings, the Capitals will once again be expected to challenge for the Metropolitan Division Crown.
Follow me on Twitter @JimIkeHW
Photo Credit: The Washington Post/Getty Images
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