After a sloppy first period in which a pair of power-play goals let them overcome a messy 20 minutes, the Isles took a 4-2 lead into the third after Schaefer put in Anthony Duclair’s feed from behind the net at 6:38 of the second.

Top draft picks collided as Islanders' Schaefer outdueled Misa and Celebrini, netting a historic game-winner and proving his top-pick pedigree. Here's what Misa and his head coach had to say about the Islanders' rookie phenom.

Matthew Schaefer shares his candid thoughts on winning and losing after contributing a goal and an assist in the New York Islanders’ 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks.

Matthew Schaefer’s transition into professional hockey has been as seamless as you could ask for. On Tuesday, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick and the New York Islanders faced the San Jose Sharks, with 2024 No.

Celebrini, the Sharks' 19-year-old center, will get the full Schaefer experience Tuesday when San Jose plays the New York Islanders and their 18-year-old rookie defenseman at UBS Arena (7 p.m. ET; MSGSN, NBCSCA).

The Sharks reunited Celebrini with wingers Tyler Toffoli and Will Smith, the so-called sleepover lines, for Tuesday’s game. The trio spent some time together last season, and, per Natural Stat Trick, had some modest success with 27 scoring chances created in just over 60 minutes of ice time during 5-on-5 play.

Expectations were not low for the No. 1 pick, but Schaefer’s first three games have eclipsed anything that anyone thought he would do right away.