WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals hired Peter Laviolette as coach Tuesday, turning to an NHL veteran who won the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and saw a successful run with Nashville end with his firing in January.

Laviolette replaces Todd Reirden, who was fired last month after a second consecutive first-round exit in the playoffs.

Laviolette, 55, has 18 years of experience as a head coach.