Matthew Schaefer steals the spotlight from Noah Dobson in NY Islanders comeback win

Feb 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) celebrates with right wing Simon Holmstrom (10) his second goal of the game against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images | David Kirouac-Imagn ImagesFor nearly two periods Thursday night at Bell Centre, it felt like the spotlight belonged to Noah Dobson — the former New York Islanders first-round pick returning to face his old team in Montreal. Dobson was active, poised, and impactful, the kind of high-scoring defenseman Islanders fans once envisioned anchoring their blue line for years.

Then Matthew Schaefer took over the night —…