Schaefer’s Scoring Surge Offers Islanders a Lift
Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer scored twice, including the overtime winner, in a 4-3 victory over Minnesota on October 29. New York lost 4-0 to Edmonton on October 31 and, on November 3, remained two points outside a playoff spot.
Matthew Schaefer scored 33 seconds into overtime Thursday to give the New York Islanders a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild. The goal came after Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov missed on a two-on-one rush, setting up a two-on-one opportunity the other way. Schaefer also scored earlier in the game, finishing with three points.
The Islanders were shut out 4-0 by the Edmonton Oilers on October 31, ending Schaefer’s six-game point streak. He had scored four goals over the four games before that loss. The defenseman had opened the season without a goal in his first nine games, though he recorded seven assists during that stretch.
With Matias Maccelli, Calum Ritchie, Alexander Romanov and Mathew Barzal sidelined, New York is short-handed. Romanov’s ACL tear was among the setbacks, and Schaefer has taken on about 25 to 30 minutes of ice time per game to help cover the absences.
The Islanders have 16 points and sit two points behind the second wild-card position. Schaefer’s recent scoring has helped keep the team in contention, and New York will need him to continue contributing as it pursues a playoff place.