Dale Hunter Steps Down as Capitals Head Coach, Will Head Back to OHL London

Dale Hunter took the Capitals further into the playoffs this year than most hockey fans ever imagined. But if Washington intends to take another step forward next season, it'll have to do so with a new man behind the bench.

Hunter stepped down as head coach of the Capitals on Monday, just two days after his team was eliminated by the Rangers in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. He will now head back to London, Ontario, where he is a co-owner of the OHL's London Knights.

Hunter took over as Washington's head coach on Nov. 28 following Bruce Boudreau's firing. He instilled a defensive mindset that enabled the team to come within one win of its first Eastern Conference finals berth in 14 years.

According to Capitals general manager George McPhee, Hunter said his decision had nothing to do with anything that's gone on in Washington.

"This was a tough decision," Hunter said Monday. "It was the right thing for me and my family."

McPhee said the Capitals will take their time finding Hunter's replacement.