New York Islanders phenom Matthew Schaefer broke the NHL single-season record for points by an 18-year-old defenseman on Saturday, notching his 58th of the campaign with an assist on Anders Lee's third-period tally.
The record was previously held by Hall of Famer Phil Housley, who set the mark with the Buffalo Sabres in 1982-83. Housley finished his rookie season with 66 points, but turned 19 in March of that year.
The record for most points by a rookie defenseman belongs to Larry Murphy, who notched 76 in 1980-81. Schaefer currently sits 11th on that list, and is one goal shy of matching Brian Leetch's benchmark for goals by a freshman blue-liner (23).
The Islanders drafted Schaefer first overall last summer and he's played a key role in transforming New York into a playoff contender. Schaefer is second on the team in points and leads all skaters in average ice time.
New York lost Saturday's contest and has now dropped four in a row. They hold a one-point cushion on the third seed in the Metropolitan Division over the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets.
