20 Islanders Thoughts After Two Games Under Pete DeBoer

Pete DeBoer is just two games into his Islanders tenure, but early changes—and lingering issues—are already clear. Here are 20 takeaways.

Stefen Rosner, David Kolb, and The Elmonters

Apr 12, 2026

∙ Paid

**PHOTO: Dennis DaSilva / New York Islanders**

ELMONT, NY — It’s only been two games under Pete DeBoer, but you can already start to see what he wants—and what this New York Islanders team actually is.

There’s only so much you can change with four practices and no time, but early adjustments at 5-on-5, lineup tweaks, and lingering issues have all come into focus.

Some things look better. Some things look the same.

Here are 20 takeaways from the Islanders’ first two games under DeBoer:

20 Islanders Thoughts After Two Games Under Pete DeBoer

Pete DeBoer is just two games into his Islanders tenure, but early changes—and lingering issues—are already clear. Here are 20 takeaways.

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