Islanders rookie could face boyhood idol in playoffs

New York Islanders star rookie Matthew Schaefer has already accomplished a great deal in his first season. The 18-year-old’s feats top those of some longtime veterans in this league.

But there’s one thing that Schaefer could get to do that very few players ever could.

The Isles are on a collision course with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. Of course, nothing is set in stone. But there’s a good chance that the two clubs could meet in the opening round.

If that’s the case, Schaefer could get to play against his boyhood idol, Sidney Crosby.

Schaefer opened up about his admiration for the Penguins’ legend in an interview with Casino.ca. In the interview, the Islanders’ first-overall pick discussed how much he admired Crosby growing up.

"Crosby was definitely one, obviously,” Schaefer said. “Just everything he's done to the person he is. Obviously he's a great leader, and everyone loves him for who he is. He's obviously done great things for the league. He was one of them. Obviously my brother (Jonathan Schaefer), too. Being young, being able to watch my brother. He wasn't in the NHL. He was in the OHL, that was the highest level. But for me, that was a guy I also looked up to as a role model."

It’s a unique feat for a player to face off against his childhood idol. For one, a player would have to be quite young upon entering the NHL. Second, his idol would have to endure a lengthy career to make that happen.

Generally speaking, that’s never the case. But in Schaefer’s case, he’ll have a chance to go head-to-head against his role model on the NHL’s biggest stage.

Islanders not quite locked into playoff spot just yet

The Islanders aren’t quite locked into a playoff spot just yet. Entering Thursday night’s action, the Isles are third in the Metro Division with 89 points. That’s a one-point lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets, who currently hold the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Isles do have some breathing room, as the next team on the outside looking in is the Ottawa Senators. The Sens have 86 points, three behind the Islanders. The Sens are in a three-way tie with the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers. But with the runway getting shorter and shorter, all three clubs are running out of time to close the gap.

That said, the Islanders can’t afford to take anything for granted. The premise is simple: Win, and you’re in. That’s what the path the Isles are facing. The Islanders square off against the Flyers on Friday night in a must-win for both teams. A win by the Isles would put significant daylight between them and Philly. So, there is no mystery: Play hard and get two points. The rest will work itself out.