Schaefer Shines in NHL Debut with Islanders: First Point and Praise

At PPG Paints Arena, Matthew Schaefer, along with his New York Islanders teammate, Maxim Shabanov, did the traditional solo lap before his NHL debut. Despite the Islanders’ 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh, Schaefer, at 18 years old, showed surprising maturity. From the first encounter, Schaefer exhibited the confidence that made him the team’s preferred choice after the draft lottery. In just 12 minutes, the young player scored his first point, assisting Jonathan Drouin with a precise pass. Drouin’s shot beat the Penguins’ goalie, Tristan Jarry, managing to tie the score.

The photo caption says: “I think it was a great first game for us,” commented Matthew Schaefer after getting his first point in his NHL debut. “I just wish we had won.” Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images

Our team is very easy to make plays, everyone is in the right place,” Schaefer commented. “I found Drouin there, and it was an easy pass for him and, of course, he put it in the net.

Matthew Schaefer

Islanders coach Patrick Roy didn’t hesitate to give Schaefer playing time, who played more than seven minutes in the first period. Schaefer accumulated a total of 17:15 minutes of playing time.

“I think it was very good,” Roy said about Schaefer. “He was good at the end. Throwing pucks at the net. It seemed to me that he felt very comfortable, very confident there. So I’m very happy with him.

Patrick RoyWith about 30 family members and friends present, Schaefer admitted nervousness in his first plays, but he was not intimidated by Penguins figures such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. Despite not having the same expectations as Crosby two decades ago, Schaefer is aware of the importance of his arrival and development for a team seeking a Stanley Cup title. Schaefer, who joined the team after training camp, is not just here to sell tickets, but to help the Islanders advance in the competitive Metropolitan Division. Despite the defeat, Schaefer highlighted the team’s performance, regretting the final result. The Islanders dominated the game for long periods, taking 38 shots on goal. Despite some mistakes, the team showed speed and determination, with Schaefer as a fundamental part.

“I think we gave it our all tonight,” Schaefer said. “I wish we had won. I hate losing. Now we know and we will learn from it and focus on our next game. But I think it was a great first game for us. I just wish we had won.

Matthew Schaefer