Brayden Schenn made his New York Islanders debut in a 2-1 overtime victory over the San Jose Sharks on March 7, following his trade deadline acquisition from the St. Louis Blues. Bo Horvat scored the winner but was fined $2,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct, while Jean-Gabriel Pageau signed a three-year extension.
Building on their trade deadline acquisition of veteran center Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues (detailed in prior coverage), the New York Islanders continued their playoff push, sitting third in the Metropolitan Division with a 36-23-5 record under coach Patrick Roy.
Schenn, who waived his no-trade clause to join New York, debuted in the team's 2-1 overtime win against the San Jose Sharks on March 7. Forward Bo Horvat sealed the victory with the game-winning goal but drew a $2,500 fine from the NHL Department of Player Safety for shoving the visor of Sharks forward William Eklund on the bench.
General manager Mathieu Darche added roster stability by signing center Jean-Gabriel Pageau to a three-year extension before the deadline, averting unrestricted free agency. Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the first-overall pick, remains a Calder Trophy contender.
The Islanders face a crucial week ahead (March 9-16): a trip to face the Blues on March 10—Schenn's return to his former club—followed by home back-to-backs against the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames, where goaltending rotation between Ilya Sorokin and the backup will be key for division points.
