ELMONT, NY — New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer doesn’t shy away from a challenge, whether on the ice or in the fantasy football standings.
During Saturday night’s overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils, the 19-year-old got into an altercation with Devils defenseman Luke Hughes, and the two exchanged shoves and grabbed at one another:
Following the game, Schaefer was asked what led to the confrontation.
“I don’t know. I think it was kind of just roughing up a bit, just kind of grabbing each other,” Schaefer said. “I think it just kind of happened.”
It’s the first time we’ve seen Schaefer go ballistic at an opponent.
It’s another example of the competitive edge Schaefer brings to the Islanders, something that has become increasingly apparent early in his NHL career.
But with the Islanders now heading west for a three-game California road trip, Schaefer has another competition on his mind.
Fantasy football.