Just five games into his career, Matthew Schaefer is sprinting toward history.
With his secondary assist on Max Shabanov’s goal against the Senators on Saturday, Schaefer recorded a point in his fifth straight game, making him the first 18-year-old defenseman in NHL history to start his career with a five-game point streak.
If Schaefer extends his streak to six on Tuesday against San Jose, he will tie Marek Zidlicky’s record for the longest points streak to start a career for defensemen. If he reaches seven, it will tie Alexandre Daigle’s expansion-era record for the longest points streak to start a career at 18 or younger.
Even as things have calmed down slightly around Schaefer — his ice time, for example, has been under 23 minutes each of the past two games as opposed to the mammoth 26-plus coach Patrick Roy played him prior — he’s continued to look on track for superstardom.
The rest of the league is quickly becoming aware that Schaefer is a unique talent. In Saturday’s 5-4 win over the Senators, Ottawa was noticeably more physical with Schaefer than other teams have been, limiting his effectiveness and rushing his decisions at times.
Even with his minutes being at least a little bit under control, the Islanders elevated Schaefer to the top power-play unit Saturday, possibly for good.
“I just want to win,” Schaefer said last week. “I just want to be there for the group of guys we have. I want them to trust me, want them to rely on me in situations too.”
Tuesday’s match against San Jose will be the first time Schaefer faces No. 2-overall pick Michael Misa, as well as last year’s top pick, Macklin Celebrini.
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