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The Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders’ matchup turned into a huge brawl on the ice in the second period.
The chaos began when Blue Jackets forward Mason Marchment took out Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer near the neutral zone. Islanders star Mat Barzal then took matters into his own hands, hitting Marchment with his stick in a retaliatory move.
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New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) looks to pass as Columbus Blue Jackets center Brendan Gaunce (16) defends in the first period at Nationwide Arena on Dec. 28, 2025. (Russell LaBounty/Imagn Images)
Barzal became the target of Columbus players shortly after the slashing, sparking the melee. NHL officials had to peel players off each other to regain control of the game.
Marchment was hit with a two-minute penalty for tripping Schaefer. Barzal received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for his actions.
Islanders players supported Barzal after the game.
“I think he’s gone off, felt like it was a dirty play on Schaef,” New York’s Adam Pelech told the New York Post after the game. “We’re all with Barzy, of course.”
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A scrum breaks out in the second period between the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on December 28, 2025. (Russell LaBounty/Imagn Images)
Islanders center Kyle Maclean added that they had to stand up for Barzal.
“He’s a young guy, one of your best players,” he said. “So there are ways to do things, but it’s good to see Barzy do something. We got him back. It’s a penalty kill, I think. So it’s good to see.”
The score was 1-1 at the time of the brawl, but Columbus would outscore New York from there.
Blue Jackets star Kirill Marchenko scored twice, including one with 3:19 left in the game. Ivan Provorov tied the game at 2-2 about a minute before the Marchenko goal. Cole Sillinger added an empty netter.
Columbus won 4-2.
Max Shabanov and Bo Horvat both scored for the Isles.
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (86) celebrates scoring a goal against the New York Islanders in the third period at Nationwide Arena on Dec. 28, 2025. (Russell LaBounty/Imagn Images)
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The Blue Jackets will be back on the ice Monday against the Ottawa Senators. New York returns to action on Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
