NHL Tonight: Islanders’ Schaefer, Penguins’ Silovs & Wild’s Boldy Earn Weekly Honours

NEW YORK – The NHL has announced its “Three Stars” presented by GEICO for the week ending March 1st, recognizing outstanding performances from New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs, and Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy.

First Star: Matthew Schaefer (New York Islanders)

Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2025 NHL Draft, led the League with an impressive four goals in just three games (4-1—5). His stellar play helped the Islanders (35-21-5, 75 points) achieve a remarkable feat – becoming only the 10th team in NHL history to record at least three consecutive multi-goal comeback wins.

On February 26th, Schaefer scored twice in a mere 55 seconds – his 17th and 18th goals of the season – surpassing Phil Housley for the most goals scored by an 18-year-old defenseman in League history. This pivotal performance propelled New York to a 4-3 overtime victory against the Montreal Canadiens. He continued to be a force, logging a team-high 25:31 in a subsequent 4-3 overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 28th.

Schaefer capped off the week with a dominant 2-1—3 performance, including his first career three-point game, in a 5-4 triumph over the Florida Panthers on March 1st. This achievement marked the first time in NHL history a defenseman reached 20 goals in a season as a rookie. He’s in elite company, trailing only Brian Leetch (23 in 1988-89), Barry Beck (22 in 1977-78), and Dion Phaneuf (20 in 2005-06).

Schaefer currently leads all rookie skaters in total time on ice (1,471:35), average time on ice (24:07), power-play goals (7), power-play points (15), and shots on goal (146). He’s tied for first in game-winning goals (4) and ranks second in plus/minus (+14) through 61 games this season.

Second Star: Arturs Silovs (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs was a brick wall, stopping 51 of 52 shots faced, posting a 2-0-0 record with a remarkable 0.50 goals-against average, a .981 save percentage, and one shutout. His performance helped the Penguins (31-15-13, 75 points) maintain their strong position in the Metropolitan Division.

Silovs made 29 saves in a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on February 26th, and followed it up with his second career shutout (also Oct. 7 at NYR) with 22 stops in a 2-0 triumph over the Vegas Golden Knights on March 1st. The 24-year-old, who represented Latvia at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, is fourth among rookie goaltenders with 13 wins in 28 appearances (13-7-8, 2.75 GAA, .902 SV%, 2 SO).

Third Star: Matt Boldy (Minnesota Wild)

Fresh off a gold medal win with the United States at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy led the NHL with an impressive 3-4—7 in three contests. He registered a standout performance with 2-2—4, his fifth career and second consecutive four-point effort, in a 5-2 win against the Colorado Avalanche on February 26th.

Boldy continued to contribute with 1-1—2 in a 5-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth on February 27th and added an assist in a 3-1 defeat versus the St. Louis Blues on March 1st, finishing the week with points on seven of Minnesota’s eight total goals. The 24-year-old has points in nine consecutive games (8-10—18) and shares second place in the League with 35 goals, sitting ninth with 69 points through 57 games (35-34—69).

GEICO’s Fourth Star: Celebrating NHL Fans

As the presenting partner of the NHL’s “Three Stars,” GEICO also celebrates the dedication of NHL fans with the “Fourth Star” program. This edition features Ivana Harris, a young player whose passion for hockey shines. Learn more about Ivana and Capitals Youth Hockey Night.