Capitals fire HC Todd Reirden after first-round playoff exit

Todd Reirden has been relieved of his duties. James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Capitals fire head coach Todd Reirden after first-round playoff exit

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/23/20

After just two seasons with the Washington Capitals, it appears Todd Reirden is out as head coach of the club.

The Capitals announced Sunday that they've relieved Reirden of his coaching duties, with senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan saying they have "higher expectations" for the team.

The Washington Capitals have relieved head coach Todd Reirden of his coaching duties, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.https://t.co/vBpfQ8acbe
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) August 23, 2020

Statement from Capitals senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan pic.twitter.com/SBCKSHUpQg
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) August 23, 2020

Washington exited the NHL's Toronto bubble after falling to the New York Islanders in five games. The Capitals were among the Eastern Conference's top four teams heading into the playoffs, earning themselves a spot in round-robin play versus qualifying action.

In June 2018, the Capitals named Reirden their head coach after Barry Trotz, who currently is head coach of the Islanders, left the organization due to a contract dispute.

Through two seasons, Reirden coached the Capitals to an 89-46-16 record, achieving first place in the Metropolitan Division for two straight seasons.

Not only did the Capitals fail to make the second round of the playoffs this season, they also didn't make it last season, losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round.

The Capitals won their first Stanley Cup title in 2018 with Trotz as head coach.

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