Scott Charles.

New York Islanders' Matthew Schaefer (48) celebrates after scoring his first NHL goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer gets 1st NHL goal in loss to Capitals

Matthew Schaefer won’t soon forget his first NHL goal. The 18-year-old defenseman and top overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft dove headfirst into the moment, literally. Schaefer found a loose puck after a scramble in front of the net and lunged forward, poking it past Washington Capitals goalie Logan Thompson at 4:28 of the third period in the Islanders’ 4-2 loss Saturday night.

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