Pete DeBoer: Building Structure in New York W/ the Islanders

John Shannon and Daren Millard are joined by Pete DeBoer on 100% Hockey to discuss his quick move behind the New York Islanders bench.

Hired with just four games left in the regular season, DeBoer explains what it was like stepping into a team still trying to sharpen its defensive structure and find stability before the playoffs. He discusses the challenge of making adjustments on the fly, what he can realistically implement in such a short window, and how he evaluates a group quickly.

DeBoer also shares his early impressions of young defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the importance of communication and buy-in, and how the Eastern Conference compares to the West. The conversation also touches on playoff styles, coaching adjustments, and what teams need to tighten up when the margins get smaller.