New York– Matthew Schaefer Added another milestone to its fast start with New York Islanders On Sunday.
Schaefer had two goals win 3-2 Above columbus blue jacketsSchaefer, who turned 18 on September 5, became the youngest defenseman in NHL history with a multigoal game, moving ahead of the Hall of Famer. bobby orr (18 years, 248 days on 23 November 1966).
Schaefer, the No. 1 pick in this year’s NHL draft, has five goals and five assists in his first 12 games with New York.
“It’s been fun to watch. He’s a great skater. He’s very balanced,” Islanders teammate Simon Holmstrom Said. “He was able to score two big goals for us tonight.”
Schaefer scored a power-play goal when he converted a quick shot 5:53 into the first period. They tied it at 2 with 1:07 remaining in the third, and Holmstrom tapped a loose puck past the goaltender. elvis merzlikins For the winning score with 38 seconds remaining.
“Oh wow, that’s fun hockey to play and fun hockey to watch,” Schaefer said after the win. “Some big goals in the last minute.”
Schaefer again heard his name chanted by the home crowd at UBS Arena. It was a similar scene when he scored his first NHL goal during the Islanders’ home opener on October 11.
“It was a big turnaround. That’s what happens when you put pucks on net,” Schaefer said of his tying goal. “People suffered a lot.”
Schaefer became the third-youngest player to score two goals in a game in the NHL’s expansion era since the 1967–68 season. Only jordan stall (18 years, 41 days as on 21 October 2006) and Pierre Turgeon (18 years, 54 days on 21 October 1987) achieved this feat at a young age.
Schaefer played junior hockey for the Erie Otters last season. He’s now handling points on New York’s power play, regularly logging major minutes and contributing well beyond the scoresheet.
He’s quick to deflect praise and gives credit to the Islanders captain anders lee With successfully disrupting Merzlikins’ approach to the tying target.
“Teammates, I just have to trust them,” Schaefer said. “I don’t think there’s anything happening if Lizzie isn’t screening the goalie. I don’t think she’s really seen a lot.”
