The Washington Capitals have no longer received a playoff collection or a department identify underneath veteran head trainer Peter Laviolette. The Capitals have been the 2d wildcard crew (8th seed) in 2021-22 and eradicated in six video games via the Florida Panthers. Laviolette owns the worst playoff-winning proportion in Capitals’ franchise historical past amongst coaches who made the postseason.
While the new season is handiest two video games outdated, Washington is off to its worst get started (0-2) in a decade (2012-13). Laviolette’s energy play is sputtering, a lot adore it did ultimate yr and simply adore it did at the finish of his tenure in Nashville. Laviolette’s Opening Night roster choices arguably led to two younger avid gamers with out waiver coverage being claimed — although Connor McMichael used to be waivers exempt. McMichael has no longer performed a recreation this season.
The Capitals appear to have issues that aren’t getting mounted, however Laviolette’s seat isn’t heat — regardless of odds that made him the fourth-likeliest trainer to be fired first this season. In reality, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun says a midseason extension for the 57-year-old pending loose agent trainer is most probably.
I’d wager on an extension there earlier than the finish of the season.
“He’s done a good job for us,” MacLellan mentioned. “We had a discussion at the end of last season. I think we’re both on the same page. I don’t see any problems going forward.”
This echoes earlier feedback MacLellan revamped the offseason.
“I think we’re going to keep that between management and the coaching staff,” MacLellan mentioned when requested a few contract extension. “I thought [Laviolette] did a good job. I thought the game plan in the playoffs — we had a good year.”
Laviolette’s training resume is spectacular. He received the Calder Cup championship in the AHL with the Providence Bruins in 1999. He has been an NHL head trainer for 21 years and received the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006. He took two different groups to the Finals (Philadelphia Flyers and Nashville Predators). He used to be an assistant trainer on the United States’ 2014 Olympic crew. His programs at five-on-five famously ask for competitive pinching via defenders to stay force in the offensive zone.
But in Washington, Laviolette’s Capitals have scuffled to take issues to the subsequent degree in the twilight of Alex Ovechkin’s profession. While Laviolette has the gravitas to deliver large trade, the Capitals nonetheless appear to be taking part in in the shadow in their 2018 championship crew with some other faces substituted in. Despite problems with the 1-3-1 energy play, the Capitals have no longer attempted a wholesale trade to the formation underneath Laviolette or assistant trainer Blaine Forsythe.
The ultimate veteran Capitals head trainer to input the season as a lame duck used to be Barry Trotz during 2017-18. After reportedly nearly getting fired during the season, Trotz led the Capitals to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup. When a championship clause brought about an extension, Trotz requested out of his contract and he signed a long-term maintain the New York Islanders.
Heading into the 2023 offseason, the Capitals may just face main adjustments as 13 avid gamers on the primary roster will be unrestricted loose brokers. Laviolette is one too, however via all indications, he’s going to be main the crew into the long run as neatly.