Maybe it's not quite Babe Ruth's Called Shot, but it's not bad from New York Islanders rookie phenom Matthew Schaefer.
The 18-year old defenseman, and No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, told everyone what he was going to do to the New York Rangers. And then he did it.
Schaefer proclaimed after his draft selection to the Islanders that he would never lose to the Rangers.
Each season, the Islanders and Rangers play against each other four times.
And this season, it's Islanders 4 wins, Rangers none.
MORE: Maple Leafs get an Auston Matthews update on his future plans
The Islanders never trailed in any of the four games against their New York rival.
Schaef Daddy already cementing himself as an Islanders LEGEND… complete domination of the Rangers this season 😳 pic.twitter.com/PoYBawqZvo
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 30, 2026
MORE: Sabres just broke an incredible franchise record
Across the four games against the Rangers, Schaefer has one goal and one assist. He was a plus-two across the four games. His goal was a game-winner.
He averaged 24 minutes, 50 seconds of ice times in the four games against the rival, one of his higher vs. Opponent averages of the season.
The Islanders beat the Rangers on Thursday night, 2-1, to preserve this.
New guy Carson Soucy, just traded from the Rangers, scored the opening goal, and then Schaefer added the second.
Not a bad way to prove yourself as a rookie.
More NHL news:
- Jason Robertson shows how big a mistake Team USA made
- Evgeni Malkin's future with the Penguins may have changed
- This Oilers comeback didn't even make sense
- Why Craig Berube has a huge cut on his head
- Maple Leafs can trade for veteran who already likes playing in Toronto
- Senators warned about looming trade of $57.5 million star