DeBoer Aims to Instill 'Playoff Habits' in Islanders Debut

New York snaps 4-game losing streak with 5-3 win over Maple Leafs in Pete DeBoer's first game as head coach.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:11pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and action on the ice. The fragmented, multi-perspective style captures the intensity and energy of the sport.DeBoer's focus on fundamental team play aims to sharpen the Islanders' edge for a late-season playoff push.Elmont Today

In his first three days as the new head coach of the New York Islanders, Pete DeBoer has emphasized the importance of developing 'playoff habits' with his team. This focus on fundamentals like defensive zone coverage, backchecking, and clean line changes paid off as the Islanders defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3 in DeBoer's debut, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Why it matters

The Islanders are fighting to secure a playoff spot in the tight Eastern Conference race, sitting just one point behind the Philadelphia Flyers for third place in the Metropolitan Division. DeBoer's arrival as the new head coach provides a fresh perspective and renewed focus on the little details that often make the difference in high-stakes, postseason hockey.

The details

Over the first three days of practice under DeBoer, the Islanders worked extensively on defensive zone coverage, backchecking, and executing clean line changes - all elements the new coach considers crucial 'playoff habits.' This attention to fundamentals translated to the ice on Thursday, as the Islanders snapped a four-game losing streak with a 5-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

  • DeBoer took over as Islanders head coach on Sunday, April 7, 2026.
  • The Islanders practiced with DeBoer from Monday, April 8 through Wednesday, April 10, 2026.
  • The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 5-3 on Thursday, April 11, 2026 in DeBoer's debut.

The players

Pete DeBoer

The new head coach of the New York Islanders, taking over for Patrick Roy. DeBoer is in his sixth NHL head coaching stint since joining the league in 2008.

Patrick Roy

The previous head coach of the New York Islanders, who was replaced by Pete DeBoer on Sunday, April 7, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Just all the little things that matter at this time of year, and matter even more a week from now when you get into the playoffs.”

— Pete DeBoer, Head Coach, New York Islanders

“There's nothing that sells a coach's message more than success, having success and feeling that success within what you're doing. We got some of that tonight. A lot of work to do, but we took care of our business tonight, which was to win a game and stay relevant here in the playoff hunt. We've got to do it again Saturday.”

— Pete DeBoer, Head Coach, New York Islanders

What’s next

The Islanders will host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, April 13, 2026 in a crucial game for their playoff hopes. They then face the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday, April 14 and the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, April 16 to close out the regular season.

The takeaway

DeBoer's emphasis on developing 'playoff habits' through a focus on fundamental team play has already paid dividends for the Islanders, who snapped a four-game losing streak in his debut. If the team can continue to buy into this approach, they may be able to secure a postseason berth and make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.