Washington Capitals fire coach Todd Reirden after Stanley Cup playoff elimination

ByABC News
August 23, 2020, 11:29 AM

The Washington Capitals have fired head coach Todd Reirden.

The team announced the firing Sunday, ending Reirden's two-year coaching stint just three days after Washington was eliminated from the playoffs by the New York Islanders in five games.

"We have higher expectations for our team, and we felt a fresh approach in leadership was necessary," Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said in a statement. "We would like to thank Todd for all of his hard work and efforts with our organization. Todd has been a big part of our team for more than half a decade, including our Stanley Cup run in 2018, and we wish him and his family all the best moving forward."

Reirden went 89-46-16 in his two seasons with Washington.