The great philosopher Yogi Berra once said, “It’s getting late early.” That could be the case for the New York Islanders, who fell to 0-3-0 after Monday’s loss to the Winnipeg Jets. It is just the second time in franchise history that it has happened. The last time was in 2006-07, when, ironically, they made the playoffs.
Not all is currently gloom on the Island. Matthew Schaefer continues to impress each game. The 2025 first overall pick assisted on Emil Heineman’s first goal with the Islanders on Monday. The 18-year-old is the first defenseman in club history to record a point in his first three games and joins Anders Lee and John Tavares as the only Islanders to do so in the last 30 years (Lee is not considered a streak as it occurred over multiple seasons).
Only one player in club history has had a longer point streak (no missed games) to begin his career. Bob Bourne had points in six straight games in October 1974,
Schaefer is also the first defenseman selected first overall to earn a point in his first three games. Islanders head coach Patrick Roy showed enormous confidence in the young defenseman to have him out in a 6-on-5 situation at the end of the opening night game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Schaefer played 17:15 in his debut. His time on ice increased to over 26 minutes the next two games, which led the team. He is the second player in the Real Time Era (since 2005) to play at least 26 minutes in two of his first three NHL games; the only other player to do so is Victor Hedman, not bad company.
Coaches Sing Schaffer Praises
Following Monday’s 5-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. Roy spoke about how the rest of the team can take a page out of Schaffer’s book. “What I love about his game? He’s got no hesitation. He’s going in. And you know what? I don’t give a damn. He could make a mistake. I don’t care. He keeps playing, and that’s what we were saying to all our D. No hesitation, guys, come on. Play. And I feel like he’s been fun to watch, fun to watch.”
Jets head coach Scott Arniel was also impressed with the young defenseman. “I just made the comment to management that I’m glad he’s in the East,” Arniel said. “The kid is dynamic. Boy, can he skate. I’ve seen some young guys step into this league. There’s a guy in Colorado who kind of has that same kind of poise and ability to move. He is dynamic. I saw a video and watched him on TV last year. But to see him live, man, man oh man, he can jump. He can skate, and he has some tools. I’m glad he’s in the East.”
Minutes Concern?
While Schaefer has played a crazy amount of minutes to start the season, Roy doesn’t seem overly concerned. “It’s tempting to play him the minutes,” Roy said. “But again, we’re going to be there for him. We’re going to give him whatever it takes for him to grow and learn. There are going to be moments where we’re going to pull [back] a little bit. But as of now, there’s no reason to do that.”
Bridgeport Beat
The Bridgeport Islanders began their 25th anniversary season in a Saturday overtime loss to the Providence Bruins. Every Saturday home game will bring back the Sound Tigers nickname and jersey. Bridgeport bounced back with a 6-2 win over the Belleville Senators on Sunday.
Defenseman Marshall Warren had a weekend for himself, scoring two goals and two assists in the weekend games. His strong start earned him AHL Player of the Week honors. It is the first time an Islander has won the award since former captain Cole Bardeau back in February 2024.
The Laurel Hollow, NY native is building upon his impressive training camp with a strong start to the season. Much like Isaish George’s breakout season last year, Warren could be an unexpected option as the season rolls on.
Bridgeport’s roster will also be getting an upgrade as the Islanders have loaned Calum Ritchie to the club. Ritchie sustained a lower-body injury during training camp. The move will benefit both Ritchie and Bridgeport. Even though he had a taste of the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche to start last season, this will be his first appearance in the AHL and will get top minutes centering the first line. Give him a nice sample size before the front office has to make a decision on whether to promote him sooner than later.
