A new torch is lit as Matthew Schaefer and the NY Islanders defeat John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs

Last night, Schaefer took on his hometown team for the first time in his career on Hockey Night in Canada - a massive deal for any Canadian kid who makes it to the NHL.

Even Tavares praised the play of Schaefer after the Leafs’ morning skate.

“He’s obviously a stud," Tavares told Stefan Rosner of The Hockey News. "I mean, the way he can play the game has been really special. I think the way he's come in, and he’s just been a game changer throughout the league and obviously for the Islanders. He seems to have tremendous character and a great head on his shoulders. Obviously, his ability to play the game is special, like I said. So we'll have our hands full tonight, even though he’s someone who's only half a season into his career. He’s been really, really impressive.”

The game started as any game when Tavares and the Leafs take the ice on Long Island. Tavares is smattered with boos and choice words from the crowd.

The Islanders trailed in the third period after Auston Matthews second goal of the night set the all-time goal-scoring record for the Leafs, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead. The crowd seemed to have lost its mojo. But then, Schaefer had his most impressive sequence in the NHL. 

Flying up the ice and receiving the puck at center ice, Schaefer blew past one Leafs’ defender, then another, out-waiting goaltender Joseph Woll and tucking the puck past an outstretched pad, tying the game at two.