The New York Islanders have relieved Patrick Roy of his head coaching duties with four games left on the 2025-26 NHL season. In a last-ditch effort to salvage the campaign and make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Peter DeBoer has been hired. It’s definitely a bold move, and one that fans reacted to accordingly.
“Great hire by the Isles,” a user on social media said in reaction to the hiring by the Islanders. There were all sorts of reactions to the news, but mostly excited fans in Long Island. The season was slipping away through their hands, and this signing could be just what the Isles need to stay afloat in the heated playoff race in the Eastern Conference of the NHL.
“Pete DeBoer has risen,” another user joked as the hiring was made official on Easter. Though mixed with excitement, many fans couldn’t hide their awe and surprise at New York’s decision. There were several comments showing how caught off guard fans were.
Why was Roy fired?
New York’s decision was mainly driven by the on-ice results. Some might point to Roy’s antics and demeanor as an added factor, but the Isles clearly had no problem with that as long as the team stacked up wins. The Islanders were determined to fight until the end and roll with what worked until the wheels came off.
Patrick Roy has been fired by the NY Islanders
Mired in a four-game losing streak and riding a downward trend, it’s safe to say the Isles had some flat tires. In a last-minute attempt to stay in a playoff spot, Roy was fired and DeBoer was brought in. The latter is now tasked with pulling off almost a miracle. If the Islanders end up making the Stanley Cup Playoffs, DeBoer’s 9–0 record in Game 7s could be just what New York needs to go on a deep run.
Contrary to what the Vegas Golden Knights did with their hiring of John Tortorella for the remainder of the season, the Islanders are committing to DeBoer. As reported by Elliotte Friedman, New York has signed the head coach to term, and not on a temporary deal.
Where Islanders stand
The Isles have played 78 games so far in the 2025–26 NHL season, meaning there are only four more outings scheduled for them. If they want to make the postseason, the Islanders must get back in the win column and perhaps even win out.
As it stands, New York has played two more games than several contenders in the playoff mix, so its fate isn’t entirely in its hands. The organization on Long Island might be in need of a miracle. The Flyers, Blue Jackets, and Capitals are breathing down the Islanders’ necks, and the home stretch of the season is set to be a rollercoaster, with teams flying up and down the standings, in and out of a playoff spot.
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