Islanders' Anthony Duclair Focused on 2nd-Half Reset After Pre-Break Benchings

Veteran forward looks to bounce back after being benched twice before Olympic break.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 10:07am

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New York Islanders winger Anthony Duclair is putting the end of his pre-Olympic break firmly in the rearview mirror in hopes of getting back into the good graces of head coach Patrick Roy and into the lineup. Duclair was benched twice mid-game in just over a week's span before being a healthy scratch for the first-half finale in New Jersey against the Devils, prompted by an inability to back-check. The veteran forward is now focused on a strong second half and a long playoff run.

Why it matters

The Islanders are in a tight playoff race in the Metropolitan Division, holding the third and final automatic bid. Duclair, brought in to be a top-six winger, needs to produce and play like one if the team wants to maintain their postseason position.

The details

Duclair was benched twice in just over a week, the first time resulting in the benching of his entire line of Mathew Barzal and captain Anders Lee for the third period during a 5-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 24. He was then seated for the final two periods of a 5-4 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 3. Duclair has struggled with inconsistency, posting just four goals in his first 39 games before potting eight in eight, including a three-goal, five-point night on Jan. 6 against the Devils. Over his last eight games, he has one goal with three assists and a minus-6 rating.

  • On Jan. 24, Duclair was benched, resulting in the benching of his entire line.
  • On Feb. 3, Duclair was benched for the final two periods of a game.
  • On Feb. 26, the NHL's unofficial second half begins.

The players

Anthony Duclair

A veteran forward for the New York Islanders who has struggled with inconsistency this season, leading to multiple benchings by head coach Patrick Roy.

Patrick Roy

The head coach of the New York Islanders who has benched Duclair multiple times this season due to his inability to back-check.

Mathew Barzal

The Islanders' star center who was benched along with captain Anders Lee due to Duclair's performance issues.

Anders Lee

The captain of the New York Islanders who was benched along with Mathew Barzal due to Duclair's performance issues.

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What they’re saying

“That's what the break is for, right? It's kind of reset, recharge, so that's what I did. I reset my mind, mentally, physically, put everything behind me, what happened in the first half, and now I'm just focused on a strong second half and hopefully make it a long run in the playoffs.”

— Anthony Duclair

“I don't think I changed much of my game, to be honest. But obviously, there are things I need to improve on, just consistency, I guess. Just make sure that every shift I'm battling out there. But confidence-wise, nothing has changed. I'm super confident in my ability to get back to my scoring ways. I think I want to use this time in the next week or so in practice to get my legs under me. Whenever I come back, come back strong.”

— Anthony Duclair

“All the uncontrollables, I'm not going to be worried. I'm just going to come to practice, have a positive attitude every single day, and continue what I'm doing.”

— Anthony Duclair

“This is the time of the season to not really have any emotion or play into things. [Duclair] will be back in the lineup at some point. He'll score a big goal for us down the stretch, or he'll have some big plays, so I'm not worried about it.”

— Mathew Barzal

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.