Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer Jokingly Ribs Henrik Lundqvist on National TV

New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer playfully teased former New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist during a live interview on “NHL on TNT” yesterday, sparking laughter from the studio crew.

The exchange occurred when Lundqvist, now a hockey analyst for the network, asked Schaefer about his “welcome to the NHL” moment. Schaefer responded, “First off, it’s pretty tough to get a Ranger asking the first question over the Long Island native here,” referring to host Liam McHugh, who is from Long Island. “I’d rather the Long Island native ask me first, but I’ll let this one slide.” McHugh jokingly agreed, saying, “The kid gets it, he understands,” while analyst Paul Bissonnette dubbed Schaefer “Schaef daddy coming in hot.”

Schaefer’s quick wit has become a hallmark of his early NHL career, coinciding with a noticeable shift in the Islanders’ culture following changes in team management. The 18-year-old defenseman has quickly become a fan favorite, registering 11 points (five goals, six assists) in his first 13 games. This success has also made him a target for opposing players, as evidenced by a recent incident during Tuesday’s shootout loss to the Boston Bruins, where he was hit up high by Nikita Zadorov, leading to a brief on-ice altercation. You can find more information about the Islanders’ recent performance on the official NHL website.

The playful banter highlights Schaefer’s growing confidence and ability to embrace the rivalry between the Islanders and Rangers, a key aspect of the New York hockey landscape. The Islanders organization is hoping Schaefer’s energy will help revitalize the team and attract a new generation of fans, as detailed in this ESPN report.

Team officials have not commented on the exchange, but Schaefer is expected to continue to be a key player for the Islanders as they navigate a competitive season.