""Obviously, it's going to be pretty cool," Schaefer said. "Playing in the NHL and going up against guys like that - it's a dream come true. But when you get on the ice, you just have to zone it out. Everyone's out there to play hockey. You really don't think about who you're going up against.""
""You want to go out there, put your head down, work boots on, and just work," Schaefer said. "I don't want to go out there and think, 'Oh, I'm going up against him.' It's just hockey, right? You go out, work as hard as you can, and forget about who's on the ice.""
Matthew Schaefer will make his NHL debut in Pittsburgh against Sidney Crosby, becoming only the third first-overall pick to debut versus Crosby after John Tavares and Connor Bedard. The game will mark the 38th No. 1 pick Crosby has faced, tying several players and trailing Jaromir Jagr. Two nights later Schaefer will face Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. Schaefer earned a roster spot with a steady two-way game, skating confidence, and composure praised by coach Patrick Roy and GM Mathieu Darche. Schaefer emphasizes zoning out opponents, focusing on working hard, and fitting in alongside veteran players.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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