Anthony Duclair's absence from the New York Islanders has been confirmed by head coach Patrick Roy, following a critical appraisal of the player's recent performance. Duclair's struggles culminated in a disappointing showing during a recent loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, prompting Roy to describe his effort as 'god-awful'. During their conversation, Duclair expressed a need for time off to reflect on his play, which has seen him register a career-low minus-15 rating over 44 games this season.

Despite signing a lucrative four-year contract earlier this season, Duclair's struggles have mirrored the Islanders' broader team challenges, as they find themselves winless in six games and trailing the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With just eight games left in the season, the Islanders are in a precarious position, needing to improve not only Duclair's performance but also the team's overall results to secure a playoff berth.

The New York Islanders are struggling, and head coach Patrick Roy did not hold back in his criticism of forward Anthony Duclair after a recent loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Duclair played only 12:15 in the game, finishing with no points and a minus-1 rating. Coach Roy labeled his performance as 'god-awful,' suggesting that Duclair's effort and competitiveness have been lacking, a sentiment further emphasized by his repeated low ice time in recent games.

With just 7 goals and 4 assists over 44 games this season, Duclair's production has dipped significantly, indicating a potential career low. He signed a four-year, $14 million contract with the Islanders last summer but has yet to find his footing with the team. The Islanders now find themselves winless in their last six games, trailing behind in the playoff race, and Duclair's inability to step up has raised concerns for fans and management alike.

Joey Larson, a promising forward hailing from Michigan State University, has opted to turn professional, signing a one-year entry-level contract with the New York Islanders. After a heartbreaking loss to Cornell in the NCAA tournament, Larson quickly shifted focus to his childhood dream of playing in the NHL. Despite not being drafted, he impressed during development camps with several NHL teams, including the Vegas Golden Knights and Ottawa Senators. In his final season with MSU, Larson recorded 10 goals and 14 assists in 37 games, contributing to the Spartans' strong performance.

As the first former player from Hartland High School to secure an NHL contract, Larson acknowledges the pivotal role his collegiate career played in his development as a player. He expressed both sadness about leaving MSU, which has re-established itself as a competitive program under coach Adam Nightingale, and excitement for his new opportunity with the Islanders. Currently, he is training with the Bridgeport Islanders, the AHL affiliate, and is eager to showcase his skills on the professional stage.

Joey Larson has chosen to turn professional, signing a one-year entry-level contract with the New York Islanders, thus forgoing his final collegiate season at Michigan State. Larson, who played 37 games last season, recorded 10 goals and 14 assists. He previously played for Northern Michigan before transferring to Michigan State for the 2023 season. The Spartans recently faced a disappointing exit in the NCAA Tournament after a strong season that saw them clinch both the Big Ten regular season and tournament championships.

The Eastern Conference wildcard race intensifies as several teams vie for the final playoff spot, with the Ottawa Senators currently leading at Wild Card 1. The Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Islanders are locked in a competitive struggle, each displaying inconsistent performances. All teams seem hesitant to seize control, leading to a chaotic race for the eighth spot. The Canadiens, with their advantageous schedule, appear to be the frontrunners, boasting a strong divisional record. Meanwhile, the Rangers face a challenging path ahead, struggling to maintain their position after a rocky season start. The Red Wings, despite coaching changes, have underperformed, while the Islanders have hit a rough patch, losing four consecutive games. It remains unclear which team will emerge victorious in this tightly contested battle.