Islanders' Patrick Roy Confident Duclair Will Bounce Back

Islanders coach says benched forward Anthony Duclair will recover from recent struggles.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:15pm

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New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy has expressed confidence that forward Anthony Duclair will overcome his recent benchings and scratches from the lineup. Duclair has been a healthy scratch and was benched mid-game for the second time in seven outings during the Islanders' 5-4 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.

Why it matters

Duclair is a key offensive player for the Islanders, so his struggles and absences from the lineup are concerning for the team as they push for a playoff spot. Roy's public support for Duclair suggests the coach believes the forward can regain his form and contribute to the team's success.

The details

Duclair was scratched from the Islanders' lineup for Thursday night's game before the three-week Winter Olympic break. Head coach Patrick Roy cited the team's strong overall play as the reason for Duclair's recent benchings, saying "It's never easy right now because everybody's playing so well."

  • Duclair was benched mid-game for the second time in seven outings during the Islanders' 5-4 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.
  • Duclair was scratched from the Islanders' lineup for Thursday night's game before the three-week Winter Olympic break.

The players

Patrick Roy

Head coach of the New York Islanders.

Anthony Duclair

Forward for the New York Islanders who has recently been benched and scratched from the lineup.

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What they’re saying

“It's never easy right now because everybody's playing so well.”

— Patrick Roy, Head Coach

The takeaway

Despite Duclair's recent struggles, Islanders head coach Patrick Roy remains confident the forward will regain his form and contribute to the team's success as they push for a playoff spot. Roy's public support for Duclair suggests the coach believes the player can work through his current issues.