Islanders Struggle to Stay in Playoff Chase

New coach Pete DeBoer has limited time to turn team around before crucial final games

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:41pm

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The New York Islanders are fighting to stay in the playoff race, sitting just outside the wild card spots with four games left in the season. Tuesday's results were not favorable, as the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings picked up key points. Coach Pete DeBoer has only three days to work with the team before their next game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, leaving little time to make lineup changes and adjustments.

Why it matters

The Islanders are in a tight battle for a playoff spot, with little margin for error in the final stretch of the season. Their ability to turn things around under new coach Pete DeBoer could determine whether they make the postseason or miss out.

The details

The Islanders currently sit in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division with 89 points, tied with the Detroit Red Wings. They are behind the Columbus Blue Jackets (90 points) and the Ottawa Senators (92 points), who hold the second wild card spot. With only four games remaining, the Islanders need to make up ground quickly to secure a playoff berth.

  • The Islanders have four games left in the regular season.
  • Pete DeBoer took over as head coach on April 6, 2026.
  • The Islanders' next game is on April 13, 2026 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The players

Pete DeBoer

The new head coach of the New York Islanders, tasked with turning the team around and securing a playoff spot in the final stretch of the season.

Mat Barzal

The Islanders' star center, who may be moved back to his natural position by the new coach.

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What they’re saying

“We know where everyone stands with four games to go, as those results consumed the final games in hand hanging over the Isles' heads.”

— Dominik, Islanders News Writer

“It's only three days and it's only four games, but it will be fascinating to see what DeBoer does with the structure and the lineup.”

— Dominik, Islanders News Writer

What’s next

The Islanders' next game is on April 13, 2026 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where new coach Pete DeBoer will have his first chance to make an impact on the team's lineup and strategy.

The takeaway

The Islanders' playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, and the team's performance in their final four games under new coach Pete DeBoer will determine whether they make the postseason or miss out. With little time to implement changes, DeBoer faces a significant challenge in turning the team around and securing a playoff spot.