Capuano fires up ‘embarrassing’ Isles
Between Periods Pep Talk Inspires 3-2 Shootout Win in Columbus
After watching his team meander through a lifeless first period in Columbus, Ohio Tuesday night, getting outshot 12-7 and trailing 2-1 on the scoreboard entering the intermission, the Islanders’ head coach ripped into his squad to the detriment of his own vocal chords.
“I didn’t have any voice left after the first period,” Capuano said of his impromptu but warranted locker room rant. “It was embarrassing the way that we played. Our compete level was non-existent and I told them. It was unacceptable.”
His charges took heed of Captain Jack’s strong words, peppering rookie Blue Jackets goaltender Joonas Korpisalo with 39 shots over the final two periods and overtime en route to a 3-2 shootout victory over Columbus in front of 14,303 fans at Nationwide Arena.
“I think the second and third period, we responded, we played good,” added Capuano after Cal Clutterbuck’s shootout tally lifted New York to its second straight win and moved the Islanders (28-18-6, 62 points) within three points of the East River rival Rangers for second place in the Metropolitan Division standings.