New York Islanders defenseman Matt Schaefer of Hamilton, Ontario was named the National Hockey League first star of the week on Monday. Schaefer, who was the first overall pick in the 2026 National Hockey League Draft, had four goals and one assist for five points in three games.
Schaefer had two two-goal games. He scored twice in a 4-3 Islanders overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday and had two goals and one assist for three points on Sunday in a 5-4 Islanders win over the Florida Panthers. Also during the week, Schaefer was a +5 with one power-play point, nine shots on goal, one hit and eight blocked shots.
In 61 games during the regular season, Schaefer has 20 goals and 24 assists for 44 points. He is a +14 with 30 penalty minutes, 15 power-play points, four game-winning goals, 146 shots on goal, 84 blocked shots, 27 hits, 28 takeaways, and 67 giveaways.
The Islanders are red hot at the moment. They have won five straight games and have the longest winning streak in the Eastern Conference. Their other wins during the streak came on February 3 in a 5-4 Islanders overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, on February 5 in a 3-1 Islanders win over the New Jersey Devils, and on Saturday in a 4-3 Islanders win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
New York is in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 75 points. They have a record of 35 wins, 21 regulation losses and five losses in extra time.