Capitals fire Boudreau, turn to Hunter

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Bruce Boudreau was fired Monday as coach of the NHL's Washington Capitals and replaced with former player Dale Hunter, the team said.

Boudreau, 56, was in his fifth season coaching the Capitals. He took over the team early in the 2007-08 season and led the Caps to four Southeast Division titles, but they never advanced past the second round of the playoffs.

This season the Capitals won their first seven games but have lost eight of their last 11 and are in second place in the division, three points behind Florida.

Hunter, 51, will be behind the bench when Washington plays St. Louis at home Tuesday. He is the 15th coach in the history of the franchise.

Hunter played 19 seasons in the NHL, including 12 with Washington. He is one of four Capitals players to have had their number -- 32 in his case -- retired. He played 872 of his 1,407 NHL games with Washington.

Hunter's previous coaching experience consists of 11 seasons leading the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League.

Boudreau built a 201-88-40 record with Washington. He reached the 200-win milestone in fewer games than any other NHL coach.