The New York Islanders have boosted their playoff hopes with a 5-3 win over Toronto in Pete DeBoer's debut under the bench, a crucial game for the team for their chances of reaching the playoffs. The Islanders dominated the game, holding a 24-3 edge in shots on net after just 20 minutes and playing with urgency. They held onto a two-goal lead within five minutes, despite the Maple Leafs' attempts to equalize. Goals from Cal Ritchie, Brayden Schenn, and JG Pageau were both scored within five and ten minutes, and Schaefer's goal made it 3-2 at 9:39 of the second, marking his 23rd of the season, tying Brian Leetch's rookie record for defensemen, and his first goal in seven games. The team's dominance was evident throughout the game. This win could be the first of four wins for the Islanders over the remaining four games for the season for them to make it into the playoffs, particularly against the Senators, the team that started the 3-7-0 tailspin that led to Patrick Roy's dismissal.