Islanders’ Rookie Faces Off Against Avalanche Star
In a notable matchup on Sunday evening, New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer, the first overall selection in this year’s NHL Draft, faced off against acclaimed Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, a two-time recipient of the Norris Trophy. The game concluded with a score of 4-1 in favor of the Avalanche.
Schaefer’s Impact on the Game
During the 5:38 minutes that Schaefer and Makar shared the rink, the Islanders defense restricted Colorado to just a pair of shots on goal, showcasing Schaefer’s significant contribution to his team’s efforts.
Admiration for Makar and Heiskanen
Prior to this encounter, Schaefer had mentioned Makar as a player he admires, expressing his aspirations to develop a similar style of play. At the NHL Combine earlier this year, the 18-year-old detailed his respect for Makar, along with another standout defenseman, Miro Heiskanen, whom he is set to face on Tuesday night. Schaefer commented on these two players, highlighting their exceptional hockey IQ and skating prowess.
Comparative Performance
Heiskanen, selected by the Dallas Stars with the third overall pick in the 2017 draft, has established himself as one of the league’s top offensive defensemen, tallying three goals and 14 assists through the first 19 games of this season, while averaging just over 25 minutes on the ice per game. In comparison, Schaefer has made his presence felt with seven goals and eight assists in the same number of games, averaging 22:24 minutes.
Looking Ahead
As the Islanders strive to return to playoff contention, Schaefer’s performance is expected to play a pivotal role in their success. After today’s contest, Schaefer will take on Heiskanen and the Stars, before facing another elite blueliner, Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings, as the Islanders look to extend their winning streak to seven games. Tonight’s clash between the Islanders and Stars is set for 8 PM ET and will be broadcast on MSGSN2.
