New York Islanders
· 2026-06-29
New York Islanders are gearing up for the 2026-27 season with Pete DeBoer at the helm, after a brief but insightful four-game stint as head coach in the 2025-26 season.
The Islanders finished the 2025-26 season with a 43-34 record, landing them in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, and are looking to bounce back from a three-game losing streak.
Pete DeBoer took over as head coach with four games remaining in the season, and despite the brief time, he was able to implement his systems and get a feel for the roster.
The team outshot opponents 130-75 over the four-game span, showing improvement in shot volume and shots allowed.
The experience DeBoer gained in those four games will be invaluable as he prepares for his first full season as head coach, allowing him to hit the ground running in training camp.
DeBoer has a proven track record as an NHL head coach, with 18 straight years of experience, and is known for his defensive style and structure.
The Islanders are looking to build on the momentum from the end of the season, and use the disappointment of missing the playoffs as motivation for next year.
The team will look to carry the momentum from the end of the season into the new year, with DeBoer at the helm and a renewed focus on defense and structure.
Mathew Barzal noted that the team played well defensively, but struggled to score goals, and DeBoer will look to address this issue in the offseason.
The Islanders are poised to make a push for the playoffs in the 2026-27 season, and with DeBoer's guidance, they may be ahead of the curve.
As of June 29, 2026, the Islanders are still reeling from their 12th place finish in the Eastern Conference, but are looking to turn things around with a strong offseason.