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Ondrej Palat, Anthony Duclair providing Islanders with surprise — and necessary — depth

Islanders wingers Ondrej Palat and Anthony Duclair have emerged as critical contributors to New York's forward depth, a development that is essential for the team's playoff aspirations while star Mathew Barzal remains absent. Palat, who is 35 years old, credited his improved performance to specific adjustments in his summer training routine, noting that he is generating more chances and playing with greater energy than in previous seasons.

Head coach DeBoer has highlighted the consistency of Palat's fourth line, which includes Matias Maccelli and Casey Cizikas, praising their ability to create offensive pressure rather than simply managing shifts. This unit has become a reliable source of production, filling a void left by the departure of veterans Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin.

The team's commitment to this group is reflected in their ice time, with Palat averaging only 2:07 fewer 5-on-5 minutes than the team leader, Emil Heineman, a stark contrast to the 5:54 gap seen last season between Barzal and Maxim Tsyplakov. Duclair has also responded positively to coaching feedback, scoring his first goal of the season against the Blackhawks following a conversation with DeBoer about his play against the Rangers.

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