In announcing Peter Laviolette as his new head coach, Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan used an unusual phrase, saying they were fortunate to "have him available at a time of need for our organization."
One often hears buzzy managerial language in situations like this -- "taking us to the next level" and the like -- but "at a time of need for our organization" isn't usually part of that lexicon. It does, however, capture this moment for the Capitals: an aging veteran team, two years removed from their first Stanley Cup and watching their window slowly close, needing an experienced coach with a track record to hold them accountable and demand consistency.