NEW YORK (AP) — Matthew Schaefer added another milestone to his fast start with the New York Islanders on Sunday.
Schäfer scored two goals victory with a score of 3-2 over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Schaefer, who turned 18 on September 5, became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to score multiple goals, passing Hall of Famer Bobby Orr (18 years, 248 days on November 23, 1966).
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Schaefer, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NHL Draft, has five goals and five assists in his first 12 games with New York.
“It was fun to watch. He's a great skater. He's very poised,” Islanders teammate Simon Holmstrom said. “He was able to score two big goals for us tonight.”
Schaefer scored a power-play goal with a powerful shot 5:53 into the first period. He tied the game at 2 with 1:07 left in the third, and Holmstrom slotted the puck past goaltender Elvis Merzlikin for the winning score with 38 seconds left.
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“Wow, hockey is fun to play and hockey is fun to watch,” Schaefer said after the win. “A couple of big goals in the last minute.”
Schaefer heard his name chanted again by the crowd at UBS Arena. A similar scene occurred when he scored his first NHL goal during the Islanders' home opener on October 11.
“It was a big shift. This is what happens when you put the puck in the net,” Schaefer said of his goal as Islanders captain Anders Lee screened Merzlikins. “Great job from the guys.”
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Schaefer became the third youngest player in the NHL's expansion era, dating back to the 1967–68 season, to score two goals in a game. Only Jordan Staal (18 years, 41 days, October 21, 2006) and Pierre Turgeon (18 years, 54 days, October 21, 1987) have accomplished this feat at a younger age.
Schaefer played junior hockey for the Erie Otters last season. He now dominates New York's power play, regularly logging big minutes and contributing far more points than he puts on the scoresheet.
He quickly deflects the praise, crediting Lee with successfully preventing Merzlikin from looking at him.
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“Teammates, I just have to rely on them,” Schaefer said. “I don't think that's going to happen without Lisi covering the goalie. I don't think he's really seen much.”
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AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL
Allan Creda, Associated Press
