The Toronto Maple Leafs came out of Saturday’s game against Ottawa with a narrow 2-1 overtime win and did it without winger Kasperi Kapanen, who was a healthy scratch.
After the victory, Maple Leafs head coach described the reasoning for the decision to scratch Kapenen as “internal accountability” and the player would talk about it further on Monday.
“It was an honest mistake,” Kapanen said Monday. “I was late to practice that day on Friday and they felt like sitting me out was something I deserved and I agree. So I just got to take responsibility for that.”
Kapanen went on to explain he was late because he overslept.
“I don’t want my teammates to think I’m not serious about this or whatnot,” Kapanen said. “They sat me out and that’s it.
“I’m ready to prove to the guys that’s not going to happen again.”
Through 51 games this season Kapanen has 10 goals and 28 points.
The Maple Leafs host the Florida Panthers Monday night and head into the game third in the Atlantic Division and two points up on the Panthers, though Florida has played two fewer games.
[relatedlinks]