Schaefer etches his name in NHL history, netting his 23rd goal to match a legendary rookie defenseman's scoring record.
ELMONT, NY -- New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer scored his 23rd goal of the season on Thursday night to tie Brian Leech for the most by a rookie defenseman in NHL history.
Leech accomplished that feat in 1988-89.
The 18-year-old first overall pick's goal came at a huge time, giving the Islanders a 3-2 lead at 9:39 of the second:
Schaefer now has 59 points (23 goals, 36 assists) through his first 79 career games.