Just five games into his career, Matthew Schaefer is sprinting toward history.

With his secondary assist on Max Shabanov’s goal against the Senators on Saturday, Schaefer recorded a point in his fifth straight game, making him the first 18-year-old defenseman in NHL history to start his career with a five-game point streak.

If Schaefer extends his streak to six on Tuesday against San Jose, he will tie Marek Zidlicky’s record for the longest points streak to start a career for defensemen. If he reaches seven, it will tie Alexandre Daigle’s expansion-era record for the longest points streak to start a career at 18 or younger.

Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) skates with the puck against the Senators on Oct. 18, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Even as things have calmed

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