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Columbus Blue Jackets and in the second period, the New York Islanders' match turned into an all-out brawl on the ice.
The mayhem began when Blue Jackets forward Mason Marchment obliterated Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer near the neutral zone. Islanders star Mat Barzal took matters into his own hands and responded by sticking Marchment.
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New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) looks to make a pass as Columbus Blue Jackets center Brendan Gonce (16) defends during the first period at Nationwide Arena on Dec. 28, 2025. (Russell LaBounty/Imagn Images)
Barzal was targeted by Columbus players shortly after the strike, sparking a melee. NHL officials had to push players away from each other to regain control of the game.
Marchment received a two-minute penalty for tripping Schaefer. For his actions, Barzal received a five-minute major penalty and a game violation.
Islanders players supported Barzal after the game.
“I think he got angry, thought it was a dirty game with the Chief,” Adam Pelech of New York told the New York Times. New York Post after the game. “Obviously, we’re all for Barzee.”
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A fight 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 go about it, but it’s nice to see Barzee doing something. We supported him. I think it's a penalty that we'll kill. So it’s good to see.”
At the time of the fight, the score was tied 1:1, but from that moment on, Columbus took over New York.
Blue Jackets star Kirill Marchenko scored two goals, including one with 3:19 left in the game. Ivan Provorov equalized the score 2:2 about a minute before Marchenko's goal. Cole Sillinger scored into an empty net.
Columbus won 4–2.
Max Shabanov and Bo Horvat scored for the Isles.
Columbus Blue Jackets right winger Kirill Marchenko (86) celebrates scoring a goal against the New York Islanders in the third period at Nationwide Arena on December 28, 2025. (Russell LaBounty/Imagn Images)
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The Blue Jackets return to the ice on Monday against the Ottawa Senators. New York returns to play Tuesday against Chicago Blackhawks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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