Islanders Rally Past Panthers for 5th Straight Win

Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer leads comeback with two goals

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The New York Islanders extended their winning streak to five games with a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory over the Florida Panthers. Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer scored two goals, including the game-tying goal, to lead the Islanders' rally after they fell behind 2-0 early. Captain Anders Lee scored the game-winning goal with just 30.9 seconds remaining to complete the comeback.

Why it matters

The Islanders' ability to consistently overcome early deficits and rally for victories has been a key factor in their recent success. Schaefer's historic season, with 20 goals so far, has made him a rising star and a catalyst for the team's resurgence.

The details

The Islanders fell behind 2-0 early in the game after goals from the Panthers' Sandis Vilmanis and Sam Bennett. However, the Islanders responded with determination, tying the game before ultimately securing the victory. Bennett scored his second goal of the game to regain the lead for Florida, but Bo Horvat quickly answered to tie it once more. Captain Anders Lee then scored the game-winning goal with just 30.9 seconds remaining.

  • The Islanders defeated the Florida Panthers on March 1, 2026.
  • Matthew Schaefer has scored 20 goals so far this season as of March 2, 2026.

The players

Matthew Schaefer

An 18-year-old rookie defenseman for the New York Islanders who has scored 20 goals this season, the most by an Islanders defenseman since Denis Potvin in 1985-86.

Anders Lee

The captain of the New York Islanders who scored the game-winning goal with just 30.9 seconds remaining in the game against the Florida Panthers.

Bo Horvat

A forward for the New York Islanders who scored a goal to tie the game against the Florida Panthers.

Sandis Vilmanis

A player for the Florida Panthers who scored one of the team's early goals against the Islanders.

Sam Bennett

A player for the Florida Panthers who scored two goals against the Islanders.

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What they’re saying

“I have to stay dialed in, but when I hear that from the crowd, it gets me super fired up.”

— Matthew Schaefer (New York Post)

“I don't know how many times I've said the word 'impressive,' but he's doing things that are very special out there.”

— Patrick Roy, Islanders Coach (New York Post)

“The Islanders may have found a cornerstone for their franchise for probably 20 years.”

— Paul Maurice, Panthers Coach (New York Post)

What’s next

The Islanders (35-21-5) now embark on a West Coast trip, beginning Wednesday in Anaheim. Their ability to consistently overcome adversity will be crucial as they face tougher competition. The Panthers, despite the loss, remain within striking distance of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The Islanders' thrilling comeback victories, fueled by the historic season of rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, have become a defining characteristic of their recent success. Their resilience and ability to rally from early deficits have made them a team to watch as they head into tougher competition on the road.