Tavares hopes Capuano's job not in jeopardy
The coach has the captain in his corner.
Following the New York Islanders' 4-0 loss Monday to the Tampa Bay Lightning, John Tavares faced reporters and was met with a question about Jack Capuano's seemingly tenuous position behind the bench.
Not surprisingly, Tavares didn't seem anxious to welcome a new coach to the fray:
Tavares also was asked about Capuano possibly being on #Isles firing line: "I hope that's not the case"
— Jim Cerny (@JimCerny) November 15, 2016
Still, the team's performance of late is certainly increasing the temperature on the proverbial hot seat.
Through seven November games, the Islanders have a 1-3-3 record, and the loss to the Lightning kept them in 15th spot in the Eastern Conference, a single point ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes.
For his part, Capuano has been vocal about the impact of the offseason losses of Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen, but isn't pinning the team's struggles on roster composition:
Capuano on if the roster needs a boost via trade: "It's on me. I have to find the right combinations for us to find some offense." #Isles
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) November 15, 2016
If things don't turn around soon, general manager Garth Snow could very well be in the market for a new coach, no matter what Tavares says publicly.