Youngest Overtime Scorer Helps Islanders Beat Mammoth 3-2

Matthew Schaefer made NHL history when he scored the overtime winning goal for the New York Islanders against the Utah Mammoth. The goal came just 2:06 into overtime, and it was a powerful one-timer from the right circle after a smooth pass from Mathew Barzal. At only 18 years and 70 days old, Schaefer became the youngest player in NHL regular-season history to score an overtime goal. He broke Sidney Crosby’s old record, which stood for almost 20 years. This goal also gave Schaefer his seventh goal of the season, marking a strong start to his rookie year.

The NHL has seen several young stars, but Schaefer’s achievement stands out. Sidney Crosby held the record since 2005, scoring his OT winner at age 18 years and 101 days. Even in the playoffs, the youngest overtime scorer was Don Gallinger, who did it at 17 in 1943. Schaefer joining this historic list shows his growing skill and confidence on the ice. The Islanders celebrated the moment with excitement as the young rookie secured their fourth straight win.

The Islanders came into this matchup tired after playing the previous night in Las Vegas, where they also won in overtime. Still, they showed strong energy and discipline in Utah. Emil Heineman scored for the second straight game, giving New York early momentum. Goaltender David Rittich also played an important role, making 27 saves and staying calm during Utah’s power-play attacks. Despite the busy schedule, the Islanders looked confident and worked well together.

Along with the young stars, veteran forward Bo Horvat kept his point streak alive, reaching eight straight games with an assist in this match. His consistent scoring, with six goals and six assists during the streak, helped New York’s offense stay dangerous. Jonathan Drouin also made a key play, scoring the tying goal in the third period. The puck hit his skate before going in, and although it was first ruled a kicking motion, video review overturned the call and allowed the goal. This important moment helped push the game to overtime.

The Utah Mammoth did not make the game easy. JJ Peterka scored their first goal after a smart pass from Lawson Crouse. Later, Dylan Guenther scored on a 5-on-3 power play with a strong one-timer after receiving the puck back from Mikhail Sergachev. Utah kept pressure throughout the night, creating many scoring chances. Their goaltender, Karel Vejmelka, made 19 saves and kept them in the game until the final moment.

While Utah had several power plays, the Islanders remained steady in defense. Rittich made one of the best saves of the night when he slid across the crease to stop a dangerous shot from Clayton Keller during the third period. This save kept the Islanders within one goal until Drouin tied the game.

In the extra period, the Islanders maintained control. Barzal carried the puck across the slot and waited for the right moment. He passed the puck perfectly to Schaefer, who fired the one-timer into the net. The celebration that followed showed how special the moment was—not only a victory, but a historic achievement for an 18-year-old rookie.