New York Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer named NHL first star of the week

By Canadian Press on March 2, 2026.

NEW YORK — New York Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer was named NHL first star of the week on Monday after leading all players with four goals last week.

Schaefer, the top pick in last year’s NHL draft, also had an assist over the three-game stretch to help the Islanders record three straight multi-goal comeback victories.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs was named second star and Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy took the third star.

Silovs was 2-0-0 last week with a 0.50 goals-against average, one shutout and a .981 save percentage. He stopped 51 of the 52 shots he faced.

Boldy led all players with seven points (3-4) over three games last week.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 2, 2026.

The Canadian Press