Matthew Schaefer delivers signature moments in NY Islanders OT win over Maple Leafs

If you’re a New York Islanders fan, this was one of those nights you’ll want to bottle.

Matthew Schaefer put on a coming-of-age performance Saturday night, scoring twice — including the overtime winner — as the Islanders stunned the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 at UBS Arena. Against a star-studded opponent, with the building buzzing and the stakes high, the 18-year-old rookie defenseman looked like a superstar, coming up huge in the biggest moments.

Just over four minutes into overtime, Mathew Barzal found Schaefer drifting into open ice in the high slot. No hesitation. Schaefer unloaded a laser past Joseph Woll, sending the crowd into a frenzy and sealing a win that felt bigger than two points.

The Islanders needed every bit of that magic because Toronto pushed hard. Auston Matthews scored twice in the second period, breaking Mats Sundin’s franchise goal record in the process and briefly putting the Leafs in control. It was one of those moments where you tip your cap — and then get back to work.

Adam Pelech opened the scoring early in the second, but Matthews’ pair flipped the game. Schaefer answered late in the third with his first of the night, only for Toronto to jump back ahead moments later after a defensive-zone turnover.

That’s where Emil Heineman made things right. After the giveaway, he redeemed himself in the biggest way possible, hammering home a power-play one-timer with 2:45 left to force overtime. Barzal and Jonathan Drouin, who each finished with two assists, were driving play when it mattered most.

David Rittich quietly did his job again, stopping 18 shots in his seventh straight start, while Ilya Sorokin dressed as the backup for the first time in weeks — another encouraging sign.

But this night belonged to Schaefer. Two goals, an OT winner, and another reminder that the Islanders’ future isn’t coming — it’s already here.