"At 18 years and 36 days old, Schaefer became the youngest defenseman to score an NHL goal since Ross Johnstone did so for the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 29, 1944 - a staggering 81 years ago. In the modern era, no defenseman has come close. Schaefer also became the fifth-youngest player in the last 50 years to score an NHL goal, joining an elite group that includes Aleksander Barkov (18 years, 31 days), Jordan Staal (18 years, 32 days), Patrick Marleau (18 years, 34 days), and former Islander Nino Niederreiter (18 years, 35 days)."
"Trailing 4-1 in the third period, the Islanders were on the power play when a scramble for a loose puck ensued in the Capitals' crease. Schaefer showed his instincts, rushed the net, and poked the puck in as he slid toward the crowded crease. The rookie got up, skated toward the glass and leaped up before taking a mini-lap around his own zone. The Capitals ended up reviewing the play for a hand pass, but after a lengthy review, Schaefer's history-making goal stood. In doing so, he also became the youngest player in NHL history to ever score a power-play goal."
Matthew Schaefer, 18, recorded his first NHL goal for the New York Islanders against the Washington Capitals at UBS Arena two games into his career. At 18 years and 36 days old, he became the youngest defenseman to score an NHL goal since Ross Johnstone in 1944. Schaefer also became the fifth-youngest player in the last 50 years to score an NHL goal. He logged over 26 minutes of ice time, one of seven players to do so in their first two NHL games. The power-play goal resulted from a crease scramble, survived a hand-pass review, and was upheld. The Islanders lost 4-2, but Schaefer's performance reinforced his status as a top prospect and showcased early trust from the coaching staff.
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