Islanders' Matthew Schaefer gives blunt review of brutal Ducks loss

Rookie defenseman doesn't mince words after New York's defeat

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer provided a straightforward assessment of his team's loss to the Anaheim Ducks, saying they simply "didn't play their best hockey" despite missing key blueliner Ryan Pulock due to injury. The Islanders fell 3-1 to the Ducks, snapping their five-game winning streak as they battle for a playoff spot ahead of the NHL trade deadline.

Why it matters

The Islanders are in a tight race for a postseason berth in the Metropolitan Division, so every game down the stretch is crucial. Schaefer's blunt comments reflect the team's urgency to get back on track and secure a playoff spot, especially with the trade deadline looming.

The details

The Islanders were without veteran defenseman Ryan Pulock, who missed the game due to an upper-body injury. However, Schaefer said the team couldn't use that as an excuse, as they simply "didn't play their best hockey." Anaheim goaltender Ville Husso made 42 saves to lead the Ducks to victory, handing the Islanders their 22nd loss of the season.

  • The Islanders lost to the Ducks on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
  • New York had won 8 of their last 9 games before the loss to Anaheim.

The players

Matthew Schaefer

A rookie defenseman for the New York Islanders who provided a blunt assessment of the team's loss to the Ducks.

Ryan Pulock

A veteran defenseman for the Islanders who missed the game against the Ducks due to an upper-body injury.

Ville Husso

The Anaheim Ducks' goaltender who made 42 saves to lead his team to victory over the Islanders.

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What they’re saying

“We can't just say, 'Oh, if we had Pully (Ryan Pulock). We've got to find a way. That just wasn't our best hockey.”

— Matthew Schaefer, Islanders Defenseman (Newsday)

What’s next

The Islanders will look to bounce back on Tuesday when they take on the Los Angeles Kings in their final game before the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.

The takeaway

Schaefer's blunt assessment of the Islanders' loss highlights the team's urgency to secure a playoff spot, even with key injuries. The Islanders will need to regroup quickly and find a way to win games down the stretch if they want to return to the postseason.