Schaefer's historic night rescues Islanders against the Panthers
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Cimon Asselin
Mar 1, 2026 (11:42 PM)
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Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer made history Sunday night, carrying Patrick Roy and the New York Islanders to a wild 5-4 victory over Florida.
The 18-year-old sensation dominated the ice at UBS Arena. He notched two goals, an assist, and posted a +4 rating in a massive statement game.
Down 2-0 early in the first period, the Islanders looked completely outmatched. But this locker room simply does not panic under pressure.
Schaefer sparked the comeback with a heavy one-timer late in the opening frame. It was not a pretty goal, but it gave New York immediate life.
He later fired a shot through the five-hole in the third period. That marker etched his name directly into the NHL history books.
Schaefer is only the fourth rookie blueliner ever to score 20 goals in a season. He joins legends like Brian Leetch and Barry Beck.
Florida Collapses Down the Stretch
The Panthers had this game entirely in their grasp. Instead, they collapsed defensively and let valuable points slip away in the playoff race.
Sam Bennett was a bright spot with two sharp goals. Matthew Tkachuk also orchestrated the transition game beautifully with three helpers.
It did not matter. Sergei Bobrovsky struggled to track pucks through traffic, finishing the night with just 21 saves.
Florida head coach Paul Maurice was visibly frustrated behind the bench. His squad has now lost seven of their last nine contests.
The Panthers failed to clear the zone in the dying seconds. That mistake cost them everything against a relentless New York forecheck.
Anders Lee sealed the deal. The Islanders captain stripped Aaron Ekblad and buried the game-winner with exactly 32 seconds remaining.
Lee found a way to slide the puck past Bobrovsky right after Sam Reinhart had tied the game for Florida. Pure clutch execution.
At the other end of the rink, David Rittich turned aside 29 shots. He provided just enough stability for the offense to go to work.
The Islanders are soaring right now on a five-game winning streak. They are the 10th team in NHL history to record three straight multi-goal comeback wins.
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