Washington Capitals: Top 3 head coaching candidates
The Washington Capitals have fired Todd Reirden as their head coach. Here are three candidates they should take a long look at.
The Washington Capitals have fired Todd Reirden after a second straight first-round exit. This is according to Elliotte Friedman. Later, the team confirmed it. Reirden was promoted from associate head coach when the Capitals decided to part ways with Barry Trotz. They were hoping he would be his heir apparent, but it’s clear that’s not the case.
This starts what could be an offseason of change for the Capitals. After two straight first-round exits following their 2018 Stanley Cup run, it’s clear they need to revamp their roster to become Stanley Cup contenders again.
The Capitals went 89-46-16 during the regular season under Reirden, which is pretty good. But obviously, the regular season isn’t as meaningful as the postseason for teams like the Capitals. In consecutive seasons, Reirden was outcoached and didn’t have his guys ready to win in elimination games.
Whoever they hire will be tasked with helping to turn around a very talented team that’s quickly getting older, but could have some younger players inserted in the lineup. It’s a very luxurious job as far as head coaching jobs are concerned. So let’s take a look at three candidates the Washington Capitals should consider.
3. Lane Lambert
Lane Lambert is currently a part of Barry Trotz’s staff with the New York Islanders, serving as the associate head coach. He was an assistant coach with the Capitals from 2014-15 through 2017-18. Lambert is very highly thought of around the league, as several teams have reportedly tried to interview him for coaching jobs.
If the Capitals want someone the players are familiar with, Lambert would be a perfect choice. He’s served his time as an assistant coach and as an associate head coach. Lambert has some experience as a head coach, serving as the head coach of the Milwaukee Admirals from 2007 to 2011. He also coached in the WHL from 2003 to 2005.
Lambert loves his job with the Islanders, but if there’s one job he’d probably leave it for, it would have to be the one in Washington. The Capitals have a history of hiring less experienced coaches. If this history repeats itself, don’t be surprised if Lambert comes back to Washington.