Two overlooked NY Islanders are giving Pete DeBoer exactly what he needs

Five games into the season, the New York Islanders have been a little bit of everything. Good at times, bad at others, and mostly somewhere in between.

But two of the more encouraging developments have come from players few expected to make much of an impact.

Ondrej Palat and Anthony Duclair, two veterans who looked like they might be running out of chances last season, have suddenly become early bright spots for the Islanders.

And it isn't necessarily about the points.

Duclair has just one goal through five games, but he's skating with a speed and confidence that were largely missing after a groin injury derailed his 2024-25 season. Following a disappointing performance against the Rangers, Pete DeBoer challenged Duclair, who responded with a goal in Thursday's 4-1 win over Chicago.

"It's nice to be healthy and get going," Duclair said. "Just feeling like myself again."

Palat's resurgence has been equally encouraging. Acquired from New Jersey last January, the two-time Stanley Cup champion never seemed comfortable after arriving on Long Island. Now, with a full offseason behind him, he's skating better and contributing more consistently, recording a goal and an assist through five games.

DeBoer believes having time to settle into his new surroundings has made a difference.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau sees something else: two veterans with something to prove.

"Last year didn't go the way he wanted and now he has his second chance," Pageau said of Palat. "He came in this year with an attitude, 'I'm going to show everyone.' I see the same thing [from Duclair]."

That's exactly what the Islanders need.

With Mathew Barzal still sidelined, the Isles can't afford to rely entirely on Bo Horvat, Matthew Schaefer and Ilya Sorokin to carry the team.

They need unexpected contributions throughout the lineup.

So far, Palat and Duclair are providing precisely that.

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