Capuano trying to snap Isles out of their funk
Head coach Jack Capuano of the New York Islanders works the bench during his first NHL game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. (Nov. 17, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
After the Islanders' 4-2 loss to Tampa Bay Wednesday, newly appointed interim coach Jack Capuano said he noticed some sloppiness and nerves that accompany any team undergoing a midseason coaching change.
But overall, he was pleased with the team's response under his direction and hopes to work out some kinks before their next game Saturday against Florida.
"It's tough [right] after a game to give a true analysis, but after watching, we only gave up a couple of odd-man rushes and we did a lot of good things, actually," said Capuano, who took over after Scott Gordon was dismissed Monday. "We had a few breakdowns, and we have to realize that even five seconds unaware can cost you. But I was happy with the emotion on the bench and the attitude of the team."
With two practice days to prepare for the Panthers, Capuano identified some key areas his team must improve to secure that elusive fifth win of the season.
An increase in puck awareness, a willingness to step up and block shots and less hesitation to unleash them on the other end all were factors in the team's most recent defeat, their 11th straight loss.
Tampa Bay pelted goaltender Dwayne Roloson with 19 shots on goal in the first period, 40 overall, and the Lightning blocked 21 shots compared with the Islanders' 11.
"The puck lands on [Steven] Stamkos' stick and it's gone," Capuano said. "We had chances to shoot the puck, but we delayed."
The Islanders have not won in almost a month since a lengthy video review gave them a 3-2 win in overtime against the Lightning on Oct. 21. Their only chance to end the drought is if everyone is on board.
"We have to use the strength of our bench," Capuano said. "We can't come to play with 14 or 15 guys, we have to have all 20. We can't have any passengers."
Notes & quotes: Lightning forward Mattias Ritola was suspended two games for his second-period hit on Matt Moulson on Wednesday night. Replays showed that the 23-year-old center left his feet before sending Moulson face-first into the boards at 6:13 of the second. After the play, John Tavares was penalized two minutes for roughing for pouncing on Ritola, who received a five-minute major for charging . . . Forward Jon Sim was returned on loan to Bridgeport.
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