The NHL Is Testing Matthew Schaefer — And He Keeps Passing

Matthew Schaefer is learning the NHL the hard way. The Islanders rookie keeps getting targeted — and keeps responding the right way.

PHOTO: Kathryn Howell / New York Islanders

From the first moment he stepped on the ice, New York Islanders’ No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer has had a target on his back.

It’s not a deserved target for anything Schaefer has done in the past. But opponents think that if they can get to Schaefer early and often, they have the best chance to win the hockey game.

There’s been so many impressive qualities to Schaefer’s game. He’s got elite skating, elite hockey IQ, and he wears his love for the game on his sleeve.

But the most impressive quality so far is not just the ability to let nothing faze him, but his immediate response to get up and keep playing.