Tavares calls out Islanders after shutout loss to Penguins

The captain isn't happy.

John Tavares had some choice words for his New York Islanders teammates following a 5-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday, calling them out for picking the wrong time of year to underperform.

"We went out there and got embarrassed because we didn't play hard enough. This time of year, that is unacceptable," he told reporters. "Everyone has to look themselves in the mirror and ask themselves how much they want it."

It's a sentiment shared by head coach Jack Capuano, who appears to have Tavares' back.

While the Islanders continue to hold the Eastern Conference's first wild-card spot, Philadelphia is two points back, with Detroit - a team on the outside looking in - only four points away.

Tavares' squad has posted a record of 4-5-1 in its last 10 games, and have five contests remaining on the regular-season schedule to gain some positive momentum.