The New York Islanders' fourth line appeared unconventional on paper, but during their season-opening loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, it proved to be their most effective trio. A significant contributor to this performance was Anthony Duclair.
In Duclair's initial seasons with the Islanders, he struggled to consistently demonstrate the skills that led to his signing in 2024, particularly after a torn groin impacted his 2024-25 season and a mixed performance in 2025-26, where he spent considerable time as a healthy scratch.
Heading into training camp this year, the focus was not on whether Duclair could regain his 25-goal scoring ability, but rather on his inclusion in the lineup. On opening night, Duclair displayed a speed that had been absent since his injury, driving plays, creating opportunities, and earning a promotion from the fourth line to the second.
“He had good legs tonight,” said coach Pete DeBoer. “So I wanted to reward him. I thought he was working and he was moving. He had some juice there that I thought he could help some of the top guys with his legs.”
While it was just one game, and there have been previous instances of underperformance, the configuration of DeBoer's lines for the upcoming home opener against the New Jersey Devils will depend on Duclair's ability to replicate this performance consistently.
With a new coach and no expectations, Duclair may find this situation advantageous. The Islanders require offensive contributions, and Duclair was signed with the intention of providing that, particularly as a potential complement to Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat.
Although the idea of reviving that top line is not currently feasible due to Barzal's injury and position change, the Islanders continue to face challenges with their lineup, which Duclair was initially brought in to address. At least for the season opener, Duclair appeared capable of contributing to this effort.
According to team statistician Eric Hornick, Matthew Schaefer's 27:45 of ice time on Wednesday was the highest by a teenager in an opener since the statistic became official in the 1997-98 season. The Islanders did not practice on Thursday, allowing two days of preparation before Saturday’s home opener against the Devils.