Gone are the days of the Islanders playing lockdown, low-event hockey. Their strong start under coach Patrick Roy has seen them embrace an up-tempo approach, aided by one of the league’s most dynamic young players in rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer.
Schaefer, the No. 1 pick in this summer’s draft, leads rookie defensemen with 23 points. His nine goals rank fourth among all NHL defensemen.
“I think it’s pretty amazing what he’s done so far,” Ruff said. “He’s been a difference maker for them. He’s a guy that, he’s going to be right up there with the top guys – and I’m talking (Quinn) Hughes and guys like that – when it comes to skating and being that offensive, two-way defenseman.”
New York is tied for second in the NHL with 34 rush goals, according to Stathletes. The Islanders’ one-two punch at center has helped fuel that success, with Bo Horvat tied for first in the NHL in rush goals (8) and Mathew Barzal among the league leaders in controlled zone entries.
Horvat will be out for the fourth straight game, however, leaving New York to try and snap a two-game losing skid without its leading scorer. The Islanders are coming off a 4-1 loss at home to Vancouver on Friday. Ilya Sorokin started that game, meaning the Sabres will see backup David Rittich (7-3-1, .905 save percentage) in net.