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DeBoer Shakes Up Islanders Lines Ahead Of Saturday's Clash With Maple Leafs

The New York Islanders faced a setback in their season opener, falling to the Ottawa Senators 2-1 in a shootout on Thursday night. Head coach Peter DeBoer responded with significant lineup adjustments, benching key forwards Cal Ritchie, Anthony Duclair, and Matthew Kessel for the final period—a move signaling a shift in discipline and accountability.

For Saturday’s matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs, DeBoer made notable changes, including scratching Duclair for the first time this season and recalling Scott Mayfield from the healthy scratch list to replace Kessel. Kyle MacLean also earned his first start of the year, while Ilya Sorokin will take the net after sitting out Thursday’s game.

DeBoer also restructured his forward group, keeping Bo Horvat’s line intact following another strong performance.

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