Matthew Schaefer has already notched the first goal of his NHL career.

Late in the third period during Saturday’s game against the Capitals, Schaefer was able to tap the puck past Washington goalie Logan Thompson after a pileup formed near the net.

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<figcaption>Matthew Schaefer #48 of the New York Islanders celebrates his first NHL goal in the third period at 4:28 with Mathew Barzal #13 against the Washington Capitals at UBS Arena on October 11, 2025 in Elmont, New York. <span class="credit">NHLI via Getty Images</span></figcaption>

Schaefer, 18, slammed his body against the glass in celebrating after scoring, as he was met with a loud roar from fans at UBS Arena.

The goal was the second of the night for the Islanders, with Anthony Duclair storing earlier in the match.

Matthew Schaefer has already notched his first goal of his NHL career.{ai:summary}<p>Schaefer, 18, scored his first NHL goal late in the third, tapping past Logan Thompson after a net scramble against the Capitals.</p><p>It was the Islanders’ second of the night, with Anthony Duclair scoring earlier as UBS Arena roared. 
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Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer scores first goal of NHL career

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