Bruce Boudreau needs to go.
Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis needs to decide quickly whether Boudreau can coach in the postseason. The toughest part isn’t making a bad team good but transforming a good team into a great one, and Boudreau hasn’t been able to do it.
Two straight years the Caps entered the postseason as a No. 1 seed. Two straight years they’ve exited early. Last year’s loss to eighth-seeded Montreal was embarrassing, but getting swept by Tampa Bay in the second round this time wasn’t much better. Sure, Washington won its first series, but not winning a game in the second round?
Tampa Bay dominated Washington in its clinching 5-3 victory Wednesday. The Caps showed aggressiveness only when they counterpunched for two goals in desperation to stay close. Otherwise, Washington skated on its heels most of the night, and there’s no excuse for that.
Washington has the talent to be a Stanley Cup contender. However, the window for the NHL’s best player, Alex Ovechkin, to kiss the cup may be only another four seasons, so Washington needs to turn around its playoff failures quickly.
The Caps have a talented general manager in George McPhee, so the only remaining move is Boudreau. Why make a move after two great regular seasons? Because it’s all about the playoffs, and Washington has failed as a favorite.
Maybe the players are too comfortable around Boudreau and need someone new to keep them on edge. Boudreau is a hockey guy through and through, and the players respect him. But do they fear him enough to give their best? That’s a clear difference that made coaches like Vince Lombardi and Bill Belichick consistent champions.
The frustrating part is Boudreau and Ovechkin clearly get along. There’s no problem with their dynamic, but somehow Boudreau isn’t getting the same effort from some of the team’s other stars.
If Leonsis wants to give Boudreau another season to kiss the cup, that’s fine. The coach has probably earned one more chance. But if Leonsis, who constantly says the championship is the only measure of success, wants to change, there won’t be too much grumbling among Caps fans.
The Caps have always been overshadowed by the Redskins. Now with the NFL shutdown, the spotlight is clearly on the Caps, and the city’s only winning team melted faster than Joan Rivers’ makeup.
Caps fans supported this franchise through awful times and now over two standout years. But they’re not inexhaustible. Leonsis may need a new coach the same way Redskins owner Dan Snyder constantly brought in new coaches to keep fans paying big money.
Boudreau is a good coach. Problem is the Caps need a great one.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
