Schaefer ties D-man record for longest point streak to begin career

New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer matched the NHL record Tuesday for the longest point streak to begin a career by a defenseman at six games.

He shares the record with Marek Zidlicky, who was 26 when he accomplished the feat in 2003-04.

Schaefer notched an assist on Bo Horvat's power-play goal to keep the streak going.

Schaefer, 18, was the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. He scored later in the contest for his first career multi-point game. The Islanders held on for a 4-3 victory over the San Joe Sharks, making Schaefer the youngest defenseman in NHL history to score a game-winning goal.

His six-game point streak also ties him with Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky for the second-longest season-opening point streak by a player 18 or younger. Alexandre Daigle owns the record at seven games.

Joe Malone and Dmitri Kvartalnov share the NHL record for longest point streak to begin a career - regardless of age or position - at 14 games.