Schaefer and Hughes brawl during Islanders’ overtime loss

On November 7, a fight between New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer and New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes erupted late in the second period of the teams’ game at UBS Arena. The Islanders lost 5-4 in overtime.

The confrontation began amid a larger scuffle, set off when Islanders defenseman Logan Stanley and Devils defenseman Brett Pesce clashed during a pause in play. As players moved to separate them, Schaefer and Hughes exchanged punches near the glass. Schaefer knocked Hughes down, but Hughes continued throwing punches from the ice before teammates and officials intervened. Schaefer skated away before the period ended.

The brawl resulted in one penalty for Stanley; other Islanders penalties were matched by New Jersey infractions. Hughes later helped set up the decisive goal, stealing the puck from Schaefer in overtime and passing to his brother Jack, who scored for the Devils. The loss left the Islanders with a 7-6-3 record and 17 points, fifth in the Metropolitan Division. New York is scheduled to play the San Jose Sharks on November 9 in San Jose, with puck drop set for 10 p.m. Eastern.