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4h ago

No. 1 Pick Matthew Schaefer Scores First NHL Goal as Islanders Slip to 0-2

The 18-year-old logged a team-high 26:04 with top power-play duty in his home debut.

Matthew Schaefer, New York Islanders (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
Oct 11, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) celebrates his goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period at UBS Arena. The goal was the first of his NHL career. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Schaefer scored at 4:28 of the third period in a 4-2 home-opening loss to the Capitals, a game in which Aliaksei Protas netted two for Washington.
  • Washington challenged the goal for a hand pass, but after video review the NHL ruled the puck deflected off Bo Horvat’s arm, so the tally stood.
  • The rookie led New York with eight shots and heavy minutes, drawing praise from coach Patrick Roy and teammates who called him the Islanders’ best player on the night.
  • Through two NHL games he has a goal and an assist with top power-play usage after making the team out of training camp.
  • A beat report said he became the youngest player to log at least 25 minutes in an NHL game, and his surge has fueled fan buzz at UBS Arena as Roy signals continued trust in his workload.