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Capitals Coach Voices Frustration Over Matthew Schaefer's Controversial First NHL Goal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 12:15 PM ET

Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery voiced his frustration on Saturday night after the officials upheld New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer’s first NHL goal.

Schaefer's first tally as a pro came on a controversial play that Carbery insists should not have counted.

The moment came in the third period of the Islanders’ home opener against Washington, when Schaefer, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft, dove to push a loose puck past goaltender Logan Thompson during a power play.

The play was immediately challenged by Carbery, who argued that Islanders forward Bo Horvat had directed the puck with his hand seconds earlier. After a lengthy review, officials ruled that the puck deflected off Horvat’s arm, not his glove, and allowed the goal to stand.

Full postgame media availability with head coach Spencer Carbery following tonight's win on Long Island. #CapsIsles pic.twitter.com/loicjRXH1P
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 12, 2025

Carbery made clear postgame that he still disagreed with the call despite the milestone moment for the rookie.

“I know it’s the kid’s first goal,” Carbery said. “I’m convinced that’s a hand pass. No one touches it, and that should be coming back. But I understand, it’s 4–1 at the time, kid’s first goal, so they keep it on the board.”

The goal cut Washington’s lead to two, though the Capitals ultimately held on for a 4-2 win.

Schaefer, meanwhile, became the third defenseman in Islanders history to record a point in each of his first two career games, according to the NHL media site.

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) scores his first NHL goal.Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Schaefer compared his goal to one scored in a movie, sounding excited about it and its legitimacy.

“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.”

The NHL’s Department of Officiating later released a statement explaining the decision, saying, "the puck deflected off the arm of Bo Horvat and therefore was not deemed a hand pass prior to Matthew Schaefer’s goal."

The Capitals and Islanders are scheduled to meet again on Oct. 31 at Capital One Arena, with puck drop set at 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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