Islanders Hire Peter DeBoer as New Coach After Firing Patrick Roy

The move comes with just four games left in the season as the Islanders struggle to secure a playoff spot.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:07am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the ice rendered as abstract shapes and forms in vibrant colors, capturing the urgency and uncertainty of the Islanders' coaching shakeup.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes coaching change that could determine the Islanders' playoff fate.Dallas Today

In a surprising turn of events, the New York Islanders have fired head coach Patrick Roy and hired veteran NHL coach Peter DeBoer to take over the team with just four games left in the season. The Islanders have lost four consecutive games and seven out of their last ten, leaving them on the brink of missing the playoffs. DeBoer, who has an impressive coaching record with 662 wins and a 9-0 record in Game 7s, has been tasked with guiding the Islanders into the postseason and integrating their promising prospects into the lineup.

Why it matters

This coaching change signals a new era for the Islanders, as they look to turn their season around and secure a playoff spot. DeBoer's experience and success in the league could be the catalyst the team needs, but the high-pressure situation and the team's recent poor form make this a risky move that could either galvanize the players or create further instability.

The details

Patrick Roy, a Hall of Fame goaltender with an impressive coaching resume, couldn't save the Islanders from their recent slide. Despite his efforts, the team has lost four consecutive games and seven out of their last ten. Roy's last game as the Islanders' coach was a disappointing 4-3 loss to the Hurricanes. Enter Peter DeBoer, a veteran NHL coach with an impressive record. DeBoer has taken on various coaching roles over his career, most recently with the Dallas Stars. His overall coaching record speaks volumes, with 662 wins and a remarkable 9-0 record in Game 7s.

  • The Islanders' decision to part ways with Patrick Roy and bring in Peter DeBoer comes with just four games left in the season.
  • Roy's last game as the Islanders' coach was a 4-3 loss to the Hurricanes.

The players

Patrick Roy

A Hall of Fame goaltender who was the Islanders' head coach until being fired with just four games left in the season.

Peter DeBoer

A veteran NHL coach with an impressive record, including 662 wins and a 9-0 record in Game 7s, who has been hired as the new head coach of the Islanders.

Mathieu Darche

The Islanders' general manager, who has hired Peter DeBoer as the team's new head coach.

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What they’re saying

“We must make a change to give our team the best chance to succeed and reach the playoffs.”

— Mathieu Darche, Islanders General Manager

What’s next

The Islanders will look to Peter DeBoer to guide the team into the playoffs with just four games remaining in the regular season.

The takeaway

The Islanders' decision to fire Patrick Roy and hire Peter DeBoer as their new head coach is a high-risk, high-reward move that reflects the urgency of the team's situation. DeBoer's experience and success in the league could be the catalyst the Islanders need to turn their season around, but the high-pressure situation and the team's recent poor form make this a risky proposition that could either galvanize the players or create further instability.