After missing the playoffs for the first time in seven years the Washington Capitals have fired head coach Adam Oates and have chosen not to renew general manager George McPhee's contract.
Oates coached the Capitals for the last two seasons. In his first season as the head coach he guided Washington to a record of 27-18-3 (57 points) and a southeast division championship. Washington would go on to lose to the New York Rangers in the first round highlighted by a blowout loss at home to the Rangers in game seven. In 2014 Oates led the Caps to 36-30-13 (85 points) record and did not qualify for the playoffs.
McPhee was hired as the general manager of the Washington Capitals in 1997. This is the first time in Ted Leonsis' history as owner that he has fired a general manager.
"I feel a change is needed in order to get us back to being a top echelon team that competes for the Stanley Cup," said Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis in a statement to the media. Leonsis will address the media in person today at 4 p.m.
