Capitals to decide on Trotz's future after playoffs

The Washington Capitals will wait until after the Stanley Cup Playoffs before deciding whether to re-sign head coach Barry Trotz, general manager Brian MacLellan confirmed Friday.

With Trotz's contract set to expire at season's end, there have been no contract talks between the two parties, MacLellan told NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.

"We wanted to wait to see how the year finished up total, the total year," he said.

In other words, regular-season success is good, but there's much left to be proven by Trotz's Capitals.

The veteran head coach has guided the Capitals to another first-place finish in the Metropolitan Division this season on the heels of two straight Presidents' Trophy wins. Playoff success has continued to elude the franchise, however, and whether or not Washington can finally get over that hump will certainly aid in the decision-making process.

"I think everything plays into it," MacLellan said. "Our focus now is just to win a first series. I think that's what everybody's thinking about."

Trotz has guided the Capitals to a regular-season record of 204-89-34 during his tenure as head coach, but the team has failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs under his watch.

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