Like with any first overall pick, there have been high expectations around Latest York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer. However the 18-year-old has surpassed every expectation. The Islanders beat the San Jose Sharks 4-3 on Tuesday, partly attributable to Schaefer’s goal and assist, which helped him set an NHL record.
“Matthew Schaefer ties NHL record for the longest point streak to start a profession by a defenceman at 6 games,” Sportsnet Stats posted.
Schaefer’s offensive day began with a secondary assist in the primary period. He fed Mathew Barzal, who found Bo Horvat for the power-play goal. It was Schaefer’s fifth assist of the season, third power-play point, and continued the purpose streak.
The goal was key, because it tied the sport shortly after the Sharks took an early lead. The Islanders have been allowing the primary goal of most games to this point this season, which isn’t a trend a team desires to have following them.
Schaefer also scored the second goal of his young profession within the second period of the sport. With the Islanders up 3-2, he found the weak spot within the Sharks’ defensive zone coverage. When Anthony Duclair got here out from behind the online, he found the defenseman wide open. Schaefer didn’t waste the chance.
MATTHEW SCHAEFER.#Isles | @Ford pic.twitter.com/3DoNbDl7wD
— Latest York Islanders (@NYIslanders) October 22, 2025
In line with NHL Public Relations, Schaefer is just the ninth rookie in the trendy era to record seven or more points in his first six games. The opposite players on the list are all forwards.
Matthew Schaefer assisted on the @NYIslanders’ 1-1 goal and prolonged his career-opening point streak to 6 games. #NHLStats
Watch now 🌎: https://t.co/dT34F4MhkC pic.twitter.com/H0MClx45Ei
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) October 21, 2025
The Islanders won the NHL Draft Lottery after ending with the tenth-worst record within the league last yr. They traded defenseman Noah Dobson and made three first-round picks to kick-start the rebuild. Schaefer is already shining brighter than they ever could have expected at just 18 years old.
Schaefer looks to proceed the purpose streak because the Islanders face the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday.