Confidence is flowing for Islanders' Anthony Duclair as he stays hot against Oilers

New York Islanders forward Anthony Duclair scored his ninth goal of the season Thursday night. The goal was set up on a beautiful feed by Cal Ritchie, on the powerplay, a rarity for the Isles this season. It was the lone goal during Thursday night's contest which saw the Isles take down the Edmonton Oilers, 1-0.

Duclair spoke to the media following the game about his goal. "Just a great play by (Barzal) to get it to (Ritchie) and (Ritchie) made a great play, a spin-o-rama play." Duclair said, "I just knew that the puck was coming, and I had to put it far side, just a great play by (Ritchie) there."

Duclair has gotten his scoring touch back recently, most notably beginning during the Isles' 9-0 rout of the New Jersey Devils on January 6th. This game featured one of the best Islanders single game performances since the dynasty years. Duclair netted a hat trick, the fourth of his career and first since December of 2019, and added two assists to cap off his five point night. Also to add, Duclair was a +6 that night as well, which was the first time an Islander was a +6 or better since Bryan Trottier and Mike Bossy both accomplished it during the 1983-84, per Eric Hornick.

The "Duke" has seven points, including five goals, across the Isles first five games of 2026. While he has amassed eight points in his last seven games reaching back to December 28th. When Duclair is playing well, he's putting the puck in the back of the net, and that has been the case, especially during these past five games.

The most important thing is about what I have noticed is that Duclair's confidence seems to be at an all-time high as a member of the Islanders. Especially following the events that took place last year. As Duclair was struggling and then was called out by head coach Patrick Roy publicly about his play, causing him to "step away" from the team in April for personal reasons. Thankfully this situation was cleared up this summer, as Roy personally visited Duclair in Montreal to apologize to him.

But these troubles seem to have no effect on his play, as it is night and day from how he performed last season to how he has been this season. Now it is important to mention, Duclair was going through an injury last season, but let's compare these two seasons. Through 44 games in 2024-25, he finished with seven goals and four assists, while having a -15 rating. While in 2025-26 up to this point, in 44 games also, he has nine goals, 11 assists and a +5 rating.

Duclair will look to continue to build upon the decent campaign he has had up to this point as the Isles wrap up their west coast road trip this week.