
Imagn
Apr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) reacts after scoring a goal in the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Matthew Schaefer capped off a two-on-one to finish it off just 33 seconds into overtime to earn his second goal and an assist in a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday.
Schaefer also was responsible for a late turnover that led to a Matt Boldy goal to force extra time after Adam Pelech gave the Islanders a 3-2 lead in the third period with a shot that ricocheted off Michael McCarron. But the 19-year-old quickly made up for the gaffe.
Quinn Hughes said he, Adam Fox, Cale Makar and Zach Werenski all were still playing college hockey at 19.
Head coach Pete DeBoer pointed to the team’s ability to battle. They played short-handed on the back end almost the entire game after Ryan Pulock was injured early and had to overcome a 2-2 tie entering the third period.
The Islanders controlled the middle of the ice physically and with a high level of detail, DeBoer said. They also got 22 saves from Ilya Sorokin, who admitted he wanted a couple of the goals back.
Schaefer played more than 30 minutes of ice time for the second straight game, coming off a hard-fought shootout win in Nashville two nights earlier.
Written by
Lakshya