Calder Hopefuls Clash: Buium’s Canucks vs. Schaefer’s Islanders
The NHL schedule for Friday features several exciting matchups, including a showdown between two leading rookies vying for the Calder Trophy. The Vancouver Canucks, with a record of 13-17-3, will meet the New York Islanders, who have 19 wins against 12 losses and 3 overtime losses. This game will take place at UBS Arena at 7 p.m. ET.
Calder Trophy Contenders: Buium vs. Schaefer
In this highly anticipated clash, Zeev Buium of the Canucks faces off against Matthew Schaefer of the Islanders. Both players are top candidates for the NHL’s Rookie of the Year award.
- Zeev Buium: The 20-year-old defenseman has recently joined Vancouver after being traded from the Minnesota Wild on December 12. He has made an impact in his first two games with the Canucks, tallying one goal and one assist, bringing his season total to 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists) over 33 games.
- Matthew Schaefer: At just 18 years old, Schaefer has been impressive in his debut season, accumulating 23 points (9 goals, 14 assists) in 34 games. Averaging 23:48 of ice time, he is also being considered for a position on Team Canada for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina.
Key Matchups and Player Highlights
In other notable matchups, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche is tied in the scoring race with Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. The Avalanche, with a record of 24-2-7, will play against the Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena at 9 p.m. ET.
- Nathan MacKinnon: Currently has 58 points (28 goals, 30 assists) in 33 games. He is on a six-game point streak with 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) during this span.
- Winning Streak: The Avalanche can extend their winning streak to four games, currently leading the Central Division by four points over the Dallas Stars (23-7-5).
Fans can tune in to watch these thrilling matchups, showcasing some of the brightest talents in hockey today. With awards and playoff positioning on the line, the stakes are high in these exciting encounters.
