The Islanders didn’t just sweep the season series against the Rangers-they did it with a little extra swagger. And rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer made sure everyone knew it.
Back in June, just after the Islanders made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Schaefer boldly declared, “We’re going to beat the Rangers every time we play them.” That’s the kind of quote that can haunt a young player-unless he backs it up. And on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, Schaefer did exactly that, burying the game-winner in a 2-1 victory that completed a four-game sweep of the Rangers.
That goal was Schaefer’s first against the Rangers and his second point in four games versus them. More importantly, it was his 14th of the season-vaulting him past Bobby Orr for the second-most goals ever scored by an 18-year-old defenseman.
Only Hall-of-Famer Phil Housley (17) sits ahead of him now. That’s not just a stat-it’s a statement.
The Islanders outscored the Rangers 14-3 across the four meetings this season, including a 5-2 win at UBS Arena just one night earlier. This latest win came with a little extra spice, too, as Carson Soucy-traded from the Rangers to the Islanders just three days prior-opened the scoring late in the second period with a shot that somehow snuck past Jonathan Quick.
It was only the Islanders’ third shot of the period and ninth of the game. Not exactly a highlight-reel goal, but in a rivalry game, they all count-especially when it comes off the stick of a former teammate.
Less than two minutes later, Schaefer added the dagger. With Simon Holmstrom providing a screen, Schaefer ripped a shot that zipped past Quick and gave the Islanders a 2-0 lead heading into the second intermission. The Rangers had done a decent job limiting chances up until that point, but two quick strikes flipped the script.
To their credit, the Rangers responded early in the third. With Ryan Pulock in the box for boarding Gabe Perreault, Mika Zibanejad did what he does best-uncorking a vintage one-timer from the left circle that beat Ilya Sorokin clean. That was Zibanejad’s 23rd goal of the season, and it gave the Garden crowd some life.
But that was as close as the Rangers would get. They had another power-play opportunity shortly after, thanks to a bench minor on the Islanders for abuse of officials, but couldn’t capitalize.
From there, both teams traded a few chances, but neither generated sustained pressure. The Islanders locked it down, and the Rangers faded late-again.
Let’s break down the key takeaways from this one:
1. Mika’s Still Got It
Zibanejad continues to be the engine for this Rangers team, especially with Artemi Panarin out of the lineup for “roster management purposes” ahead of the trade deadline. He was everywhere Thursday night-scoring for the second straight game, leading the team with five shots on goal and 10 total attempts, and generating the bulk of the offense.
His power-play goal was vintage Mika-set up perfectly by Vladislav Gavrikov and hammered home from his favorite spot. That tally also marked his 273rd with the Rangers, moving him past Andy Bathgate for fifth all-time in franchise history.
Only Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle, Chris Kreider, and Adam Graves have more. Zibanejad now has points in 13 of his last 14 games and sits just 11 shy of his total from all of last season.
He’s not just producing-he’s leading.
2. Schaefer Is Already a Problem
The Islanders aren’t going to win every game against the Rangers forever, but they’ve got a new face of the rivalry-and his name is Matthew Schaefer. The 18-year-old is already logging over 24 minutes a night and playing in every situation. Coach Patrick Roy isn’t sheltering him, and Schaefer is responding like a seasoned vet.
With 36 points on the season, he ranks third among NHL rookies and second on the Islanders. He’s not just piling up stats-he’s making big plays in big moments, and he’s not afraid to talk about it either.
“It’s so fun. You want to beat them every time,” Schaefer said after the game.
“It’s a playoff game from here on out. Especially against the Rangers, you want to get those two points.
It’s fun when you’re beating them.”
That’s the kind of confidence that fuels rivalries-and the kind of player who can carry a franchise into its next era.
3. Rangers’ Youth Movement Still a Work in Progress
For the Rangers, the rest of this season is as much about development as it is about wins and losses. And Thursday’s game was a reminder that progress doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet.
Brennan Othmann didn’t generate much offense but did throw five hits, second only to Will Cuylle’s six. Cuylle, however, didn’t record a shot on goal.
Rookie defenseman Scott Morrow rang one off the post early but is still searching for his first NHL goal. Brett Berard, recently recalled from Hartford, logged under nine minutes and didn’t register a shot.
He remains pointless through 13 NHL games.
Noah Laba didn’t get on the scoresheet either, but he did win five of seven face-offs-a 71% clip that stands out in a game where puck possession was at a premium.
The brightest spot among the young guns? Gabe Perreault.
He fired five shots on goal and looked comfortable alongside veterans Zibanejad and J.T. Miller.
That line generated the Rangers’ best looks and gave fans a glimpse of what Perreault might become.
Final Word
This was a game that felt like a microcosm of both teams’ seasons. The Islanders are surging, confident, and getting major contributions from their young cornerstone. The Rangers, meanwhile, are stuck in a rut-losing 10 of their last 12-and leaning heavily on a few veterans while trying to figure out what they’ve got in their next wave of talent.
The rivalry has new life thanks to Schaefer’s swagger and performance, and if Thursday night was any indication, we’re just getting started.