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DeBoer Shakes Up Islanders Lines Ahead Of Saturday's Clash With Maple Leafs

Russell Macias

Partner

Oct 17, 2026 3:38 PMPublished Oct 17, 2026 3:38 PM

Updated Oct 17, 2026 7:09 PM

Searching for a spark after a frustrating shootout loss, Peter DeBoer benches key veterans and retools his forward groups to instill discipline before a high-stakes Toronto showdown.

The New York Islanders dealt with a tough, frustrating 2-1 shootout loss against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.

Islanders' Head Coach Peter DeBoer benched Cal Ritchie, Anthony Duclair, and Matthew Kessel for the back half of the third period, setting the tone and discipline line for the season.

The New York Islanders continued their inconsistency on Thursday in Canada's capital, as the Ottawa Senators knocked off the Islanders 2-1 in a shootout.

thehockeynews.comPete DeBoer Teaching Islanders Mandatory Lesson In Accountability Early In First SeasonThe New York Islanders continued their inconsistency on Thursday in Canada's capital, as the Ottawa Senators knocked off the Islanders 2-1 in a shootout.

Following the loss, benchings, and postgame criticism, DeBoer's made lineup changes for Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

DeBoer also shook up his forward group, including Bo Horvat's line despite another strong showing.

DeBoer Shakes Up Islanders Lines Ahead Of Saturday's Clash With Maple Leafs

Searching for a spark after a frustrating shootout loss, Peter DeBoer benches key veterans and retools his forward groups to instill discipline before a high-stakes Toronto showdown.

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