NEW YORK (AP) - Matthew Schaefer tied the NHL record for goals by a rookie defenseman as the New York Islanders defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3 on Thursday night. This game marked a significant milestone, being Peter DeBoer’s first as the head coach of the Islanders.

In a standout performance, Cal Ritchie contributed with a goal and an assist, while goaltender Ilya Sorokin made 13 saves, helping the Islanders end a four-game losing streak. Along with Schaefer, Brayden Schenn, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Emil Heineman also found the back of the net, while Tony DeAngelo recorded two assists in the match.

Peter DeBoer was appointed as the Islanders’ coach just days prior, on Sunday, after the team decided to fire Patrick Roy amid a challenging late-season slide that had seen them lose seven out of their last ten games. Despite their struggles, the Islanders remain in contention for a wild-card playoff spot, trailing the Ottawa Senators by three points with three games remaining in the season.

For the Maple Leafs, Steven Lorentz, Easton Cowan, and Morgan Rielly scored, but it wasn’t enough to change their fortunes. Goaltender Artur Akhtyamov had an impressive performance in the crease, making 39 saves, yet the Maple Leafs suffered their fifth consecutive defeat.

Schaefer’s historic goal came midway through the second period, marking his 23rd of the season and allowing him to match Hall of Famer Brian Leetch's record for goals by a rookie defenseman, a benchmark that had stood since the 1988-89 season with the New York Rangers. His goal, a shot that slipped through Akhtyamov’s legs, helped put the Islanders ahead 3-2 in the contest.

Heineman further extended the Islanders’ lead late in the second period, creating a cushion for the team. Ritchie capitalized on a power-play opportunity midway through the third period, sealing the game for the Islanders and ensuring their victory over the Maple Leafs.

The Islanders wasted no time in making their presence felt in the game, scoring twice in the first five minutes. Schenn opened the scoring at 2:08 into the first period by finishing off a set-up from Ritchie on a delayed penalty call. Not long after, Pageau doubled the lead by converting his own rebound, giving the Islanders a 2-0 edge early on.

Upcoming Matches

Looking ahead, the Maple Leafs will be hosting the Florida Panthers on Saturday, hoping to break their losing streak and regain momentum as the regular season winds down.