MONTREAL — The spotlight might easily have been on Noah Dobson and what the Islanders are missing since his departure. However, newcomer Matthew Schaefer has made quite the impact, showcasing his skills with two record-setting goals in just 55 seconds during the second period. His remarkable performance has aided the Islanders in coping with Dobson’s absence.
The offseason trade that sent Dobson to the Canadiens in exchange for Emil Heineman and two first-round picks is increasingly being seen in a new light, particularly with Schaefer emerging as a strong candidate for the Calder Trophy. The Islanders may find themselves benefiting from a deal that initially seemed unfavorable, given Dobson’s talent.
On Thursday night, the Canadiens took an early two-goal lead, but Schaefer’s game-changing abilities propelled the Islanders to a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory at the Bell Centre, marking their first game back after a three-week Olympic break. “The kid is an absolute stud,” said Anders Lee, celebrating his 900th NHL game, highlighting Schaefer’s knack for altering the course of a game.
Schaefer’s performance was nothing short of historic. With two goals, he not only tied Denis Potvin’s team record for rookie defensemen but also broke Phil Housley’s NHL record for an 18-year-old defenseman. His first goal at 17:56 of the second period came during a five-on-three power play, and he soon followed it with another highlight-reel goal at 18:51, showcasing his impressive offensive talents.
“That second goal, what I loved about it, he could do circles all day,” Lee noted, praising Schaefer’s determination to drive towards the net. Schaefer expressed a key insight that makes him special: the understanding of the importance of getting shots on goal. “When you put pucks on the net, great things happen,” he stated.
Schaefer’s blend of exceptional skills and hockey IQ has impressed both fans and teammates. Coach Patrick Roy commended Schaefer’s ability to find shooting lanes and bring pucks to the net, marking him as a player with significant potential. Jean-Gabriel Pageau added that the team is fortunate to witness Schaefer’s growth, pointing out his maturity at just 18 years of age.
Schaefer’s heroics were crucial, especially as the Islanders tied the game following Dobson’s goals in the first and second periods. Although the Islanders appeared to struggle initially, especially their top line, Schaefer’s transformative play helped shift momentum.
Dobson, having scored 12 goals since his trade, has certainly proved his worth to the Canadiens, who signed him to an eight-year, $76 million contract following the deal. Initial parallels were drawn to a previous trade involving defenseman Devon Toews, but the developments surrounding Heineman, along with other promising players like Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson, have emerged to balance the scales of the deal.
Overall, the Islanders seem to be gaining the edge as they look to the future with potential stars like Schaefer leading the charge.