The biggest question entering Breakdown Day at Kettler Iceplex? The status of Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau. That’s the natural order of things after a postseason failure. And Washington has lost in the first or second round each of the last four years. So what did general manager George McPhee say on Thursday, less than 24 hours after his team was eliminated in a four-game sweep by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“I expect [Boudreau] to be back,” McPhee said. “He’s a good coach. Someone said he’s not a playoff coach. There’s no difference between a playoff coach and a regular season coach. You’re either a good coach or you’re not. He’s a good coach.”
That “expect” leaves a little wiggle room, I guess. It certainly wasn’t a 100-percent guarantee. Washington owner Ted Leonsis also posted his thoughts on what changes – if any – the organization may undergo this summer on his “Ted’s Take” blog.
“I am stunned that we were swept in round 2. I am surprised that around the league such close games are turning into big leads for other teams as well,” Leonsis said. “In times like these people are emotional; angry; and demand change. I understand. The best course of action for us though is to let a few days pass; be very analytic about what needs to be improved; articulate that plan; and then execute upon it.”
That process will inevitably leave coaches and players on edge for a while. Boudreau has a remarkable 189-79-39 record in almost four full regular seasons – according to the Caps, a .679 points percentage that ranks No. 1 among all NHL coaches in history with at least 250 games. But he is also now 17-20 in the playoffs (.459 winning percentage).
“It’s not up to me to think…,” Boudreau said. “Those questions – how can I answer them? And I can’t. And I leave it up to somebody else or I’d go nuts.” Earlier he said: “All we do as coaches is we coach. We don’t make any of those decisions. We worked as hard as we can and see where it leads.”
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