Islanders Hire Veteran Coach DeBoer Amid Playoff Push

Peter DeBoer takes over as Islanders head coach with just 4 games left in the regular season.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:41am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey game or match, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the intense competition and strategic maneuvering of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes NHL playoff race, with the Islanders' coaching change adding an intriguing new dynamic to the final stretch.NYC Today

The New York Islanders have hired veteran NHL coach Peter DeBoer to take over the team with just four games remaining in the regular season. DeBoer, who has over 750 career NHL wins, replaces Patrick Roy after the Islanders struggled to maintain their playoff position in the tight Eastern Conference race.

Why it matters

The Islanders are in a tight battle for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, and bringing in an experienced coach like DeBoer could provide a much-needed boost as they try to secure a playoff berth. DeBoer's track record of success, including leading the Golden Knights to the playoffs in 2020, makes him an intriguing hire this late in the season.

The details

The Islanders fired head coach Patrick Roy earlier this week, with the team sitting just outside of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. DeBoer, who was previously fired by Islanders advisor Lou Lamoriello during his time with the New Jersey Devils, now has the opportunity to lead the Islanders' push for the postseason. The Islanders are currently tied with the Ottawa Senators for the second wild card spot, with both teams trying to catch the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres atop the Atlantic Division.

  • The Islanders fired head coach Patrick Roy on April 10, 2026.
  • Peter DeBoer was hired as the new Islanders head coach on April 11, 2026.
  • The Islanders have just 4 games remaining in the 2025-26 regular season.

The players

Peter DeBoer

A veteran NHL head coach with over 750 career wins, DeBoer has previously led the New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, and Vegas Golden Knights.

Patrick Roy

The former Islanders head coach who was fired earlier this week with the team struggling to maintain a playoff position.

Lou Lamoriello

The Islanders' team advisor who previously fired DeBoer when they worked together with the New Jersey Devils.

Brady Tkachuk

The captain of the Ottawa Senators, who are also battling the Islanders for a wild card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Scott Oake

A broadcasting icon who recently announced his retirement, with a memoir highlighting his work in addiction recovery.

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What they’re saying

“We must make a change to give our team the best chance to make the playoffs. Peter DeBoer's experience and track record of success make him the right coach to lead us down the stretch.”

— Lou Lamoriello, Islanders Advisor

“I'm excited for the opportunity to join the Islanders and help the team secure a playoff spot. There's a lot of work to be done, but I'm confident in our ability to come together and make a push.”

— Peter DeBoer, Islanders Head Coach

What’s next

The Islanders will face the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres in their final four games of the regular season, with the outcome of those matchups likely to determine their playoff fate.

The takeaway

The Islanders' decision to hire Peter DeBoer as their new head coach with just four games remaining in the regular season highlights the high-stakes nature of the NHL's playoff race. DeBoer's wealth of experience and proven track record could provide the boost the Islanders need to secure a postseason berth, but the team will face a tough challenge in their final games against divisional rivals.