It was only a preseason game, but there was hype surrounding this one, as it was the first time we’d see 2025 first overall pick Matthew Schaefer on the ice in an Islanders uniform.
What popped off the screen after just a few shifts for Schaefer were his speed and willingness to jump into transition.
Schaefer gave a real glimpse of his speed when Matvei Michkov was sprung on a breakaway in OT with plenty of space between himself and the Islanders’ closest defender. The young defenseman chased down Michkov, catching him in no time, hassling him, resulting in a weak shot and an easy save.