New York Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer was named the NHL's rookie of the month for October on Saturday.

The Islanders were without star center Mathew Barzal, announced by coach Patrick Roy earlier in the day as a healthy scratch as discipline for being late to the rink.

David Rittich dropped his first game as an Islander, turning aside 27 of 33 shots faced. Brandon Bussi made 26 saves in the win for Carolina. The Islanders have lost three straight games (0-2-1), all on the road. The Islanders record dropped below NHL-.500 for the first time since Oct. 18.

The Capitals will not see Dylan Strome back in the lineup less than a week after suffering what appeared to be a scary-looking lower-body injury.

Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer continued his impressive start to the season with another accolade on Thursday.

Isles Rewards is currently available exclusively for Islanders Season Ticket Members, with plans to expand access to the broader fanbase

The New York Islanders have recalled top prospect Calum Ritchie, who will make his Islanders' debut Friday against the Washington Capitals