Islanders Defense: Matthew Schaefer Sets Overtime Record
The 19-year-old defenseman scored the game-winning goal in a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild, becoming the first teenager to record three overtime winners in NHL history.
By Talia Bennett ·
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer became the first teenager in National Hockey League history to score three overtime-winning goals. He achieved the milestone with a shot in the extra period of a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday at Grand Casino Arena. The win marked the Islanders' first trip to Minnesota this season.
Schaefer, the top overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, recorded two goals and one assist in the game. He had previously been named the NHL's top rookie last season. The performance followed a difficult sophomore year two seasons ago, when mononucleosis and a broken collarbone limited him to 17 games. Last season, he tallied 23 goals and 59 points as a rookie.
Wild forward Matt Boldy tied the game at 3-3 with under four minutes remaining in regulation by moving past Schaefer. Islanders coach Peter DeBoer noted that Schaefer appeared determined to respond before the overtime period began. DeBoer described the player's competitive edge as rare. DeBoer said, "That edge, competitiveness and edge he has to be a difference-maker, is really rare."
Wild coach John Hynes credited Schaefer's skating ability for his effectiveness. Hynes stated that the defenseman can hold the puck and operate at the offensive blue line with skill comparable to the league's premier offensive defensemen. Hynes added, "He's able to hold onto the puck and do some things at the offensive blue line, some of the things that you see with the premier offensive defensemen in the league. He has that skill set."
Wild forward Matt Boldy acknowledged that the team struggled to limit Schaefer's impact. Boldy compared the 19-year-old's maturity on the ice to veterans who have played for decades. Boldy said, "He plays the game like he's been playing for 10, 15 years. It's pretty fun to watch. Future's really bright."
Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, who was 19 when attending the University of Michigan, praised Schaefer's current trajectory. Hughes predicted that Schaefer could become a top-five player in the league as he matures. Hughes stated, "For him, being 19, this is all gravy right now. Like, when he's 22, 23, 24, 25, all the way up, I mean, those are the years where he can really, he should be a top-three, top-five player in the league."
The Wild wore throwback jerseys featuring the colors and numbers of the 1981 Minnesota North Stars. The Islanders wore their standard blue and orange uniforms. The two teams will face each other twice during the regular season.
