Capitals still ‘convinced’ Matthew Schaefer’s first NHL goal should’ve been overturned: ‘That should be coming back’
New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer had plenty of time to watch the replay of his first NHL goal.
Schaefer made a splash on Saturday when he faced the Washington Capitals in the second game of his pro career, scoring his first goal in a controversial play that took officials several minutes to confirm.
The tally came on a netfront scramble during a third-period power play: the puck ricocheted off Isles forward Bo Horvat into goaltender Logan Thompson’s pads before a diving Schaefer poked it into the net.
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery challenged the goal for a hand pass, alleging that Horvat had pushed the puck into Thompson with his glove.
After an extended video review, officials decided that there was no hand pass: Schaefer’s milestone marker stood.
While Carbery appreciated the sentimentality of a player’s first NHL goal — and wasn’t too perturbed after the Caps’ 4-2 win — he stood by his decision to challenge.
“I know it’s the kid’s first goal — I’m convinced that’s a hand pass,” Carbery
The NHL posted an explanation of the call on its website, declaring that they determined that the puck had deflected off of Horvat’s arm, not his hand, so no hand pass occurred.
Thompson, like Carbery, took the decision in stride after the Capitals’ victory, joking with reporters when asked about his thoughts on the goal.
“Bullsh—t — no, I’m kidding,” he said
He went on to take the blame for suggesting Carbery use a challenge before praising Schaefer’s tenacity on the play.
“Yeah, me and Johnny (John Carlson) thought it was a hand pass, so that was on me for telling Carbs to challenge it, unfortunately,” Thompson said. “I guess it wasn’t seen that way. That’s hockey. But yeah, credit for him for driving the paint there when it got a little rough. So credit to him, and he’s an exciting player. I’m excited to watch him.”
Schaefer, too, cracked a joke about the goal postgame, comparing it to something out of a movie.
“I think I’ve seen the exact same scene in Mighty Ducks or something, so trying to (reenact) that, I guess,” he said. “But no, no, it was good.”
Schaefer made his Islanders debut on Thursday to plenty of fanfare after going first overall in the 2025 draft. He became the eighth player in league history to play the first two games of his career against the NHL’s active points leader (Sidney Crosby) and all-time goals leader (Alex Ovechkin).
Islanders head coach Patrick Roy had high praise for Schaefer, who played a whopping 26:04 of ice time against Washington.
“He’s so good,” Roy said. “He was our best player out there tonight…He’s exciting to watch. If I’m a fan, I’ll pay to watch him play—there’s no doubt about it.”
Among those impressed by Schaefer’s talents is Thompson himself, though he admitted he’d hoped not to be the goalie to give up the defender’s first goal.
“He’s a good player. I was going in tonight hoping it wouldn’t be me,” he said, smiling. “But no, he skates unbelievable for how young he is, and he fits right in. I think he’s going to be a dominant player in this league for a while.”
The Capitals and Islanders will meet again later this month for a Halloween game at Capital One Arena.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Elevate Owen Wright Ahead of Crucial 49ers Matchup
Tampa Bay, FL — October 11, 2025
With starting running backs Bucky Irving and Josh Williams sidelined due to injury, the Buccaneers have turned to Wright to provide depth and spark to their offense. Wright, who joined the team earlier this season, has impressed coaches and teammates with his versatility and work ethic, making him a valuable asset as the team looks to continue their strong start to the season.
Wright’s Impressive Performance in Preseason
Though Wright was a relatively new addition to the Buccaneers, his preseason performance was anything but understated. The 25-year-old running back showcased his skills in several areas, racking up 100 yards on 25 carries. Additionally, Wright demonstrated his versatility by adding four receptions and one return, highlighting his potential to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
These numbers did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff, and with the injuries to Irving and Williams, Wright’s promotion is a timely decision that could have an immediate impact on the team’s offensive strategy against the 49ers.
A Key Playmaker for the Buccaneers’ Offense
The Buccaneers are facing a 49ers team that has long been known for its formidable defense, and with injuries affecting key players in the backfield, the need for fresh legs and new energy in the running game is more pressing than ever. Wright's ability to step in and contribute immediately will be crucial for the Buccaneers, who are determined to maintain their competitive edge and continue their push for a playoff spot.
“Anytime you lose players like Bucky and Josh, it’s a challenge,” head coach Todd Bowles said. “But we’ve got guys like Owen who are ready to step up. He’s been working hard, and we believe in his ability to make plays for us.”
Wright's readiness and versatility make him a vital piece in the Buccaneers’ offensive puzzle. Whether as a runner, receiver, or returner, his ability to adapt to different roles will help keep the 49ers’ defense on its toes and potentially provide the Buccaneers with an edge.
The Bigger Picture: Buccaneers’ Continued Success
The decision to elevate Wright speaks to the depth and preparation of the Buccaneers' roster. Despite setbacks due to injuries, the team has maintained its 4-1 record heading into this critical stretch of the season. With a balanced offensive and defensive game plan, the Buccaneers are determined to continue their strong performance and challenge for a spot in the playoffs.
“We’re ready for whatever comes our way,” said Wright after being informed of his promotion. “The 49ers are a great team, but we’re prepared to give it our all. I’m here to help my teammates, contribute in any way I can, and show the world that I belong.”
As the Buccaneers aim to stay competitive in a tightly contested NFC, Wright’s promotion could be a defining moment in what could be a breakthrough season for the team. Whether or not Wright’s contributions lead to victory on Sunday, his presence in the backfield will certainly add another layer of intrigue to the upcoming matchup.
Looking Ahead
The Buccaneers’ game against the 49ers will be a true test of their depth and resilience. With Wright now officially part of the roster, the team is poised to continue its bid for success in a season full of challenges. The 49ers are no strangers to big games, and the Buccaneers will need all hands on deck, including Wright, to come out on top.
As the Buccaneers continue their climb toward the top of the NFC, Wright’s opportunity to shine has arrived at just the right time. The pressure is on, but the team is ready, and so is Owen Wright.
