New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer delivered a signature moment in the second period when he caught a feed from Tony DeAngelo and fired a wrist shot past goaltender Artur Akhtyamov. The goal — his 23rd of the season — gave the Islanders a 3-2 lead en route to victory while tying Brian Leetch’s single-season record for the most goals by a rookie defenseman. Schaefer’s remarkable rookie campaign saw the 18-year-old first-overall pick from the 2025 Draft lead all rookies in time on ice per game (24:41) while tying for the league lead in rookie goals with 23. He finished third in rookie scoring with 59 points — an NHL record for an 18-year-old defenseman — and became the first blueliner in more than 90 years to lead rookies in goals. The Hamilton, Ontario native exceeded expectations as the Islanders’ cornerstone two-way defenseman. His dominant season culminated in capturing the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year — the youngest winner in league history at 18 years, 224 days and the first to earn a unanimous vote since Teemu Selanne in 1992-93. This Mythic highlight captures the moment Schaefer tied Leetch’s long-standing mark, signaling the arrival of a generational talent and a bright new era on Long Island.