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The matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Islanders turned into an all-out brawl on the ice in the second period.
The chaos began when Blue Jackets forward Mason Marchment picked off Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer near the neutral zone. Islanders star Mat Barzal took matters into his own hands and nailed 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 during the first period at Nationwide Arena on Dec. 28, 2025. (Russell LaBounty/Imagn Images)
Barzal became the target of Columbus players shortly after the cut, sparking the melee. NHL officials had to separate the players from each other to regain control of the game.
Marchment received a two-minute penalty for tripping Schaefer. Barzal received a five-minute major penalty and a game foul for his actions.
Islanders players supported Barzal after the game.
“I think he got angry, he felt like it was a dirty play against Schaef,” New York’s Adam Pelech told the New York Post after the game. “We’re all with Barzy, obviously.”
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A scrum occurs during 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 defend Barzal.
“He’s a young guy, one of the best players,” he said. “So there are ways to do things, but it’s good to see Barzy do something. We have his back. I think it’s a penalty we’ll kill. So it’s good to see.”
The score was tied 1-1 at the time of the fight, but Columbus would beat New York from there.
Blue Jackets star Kirill Marchenko scored two goals, including one with 3:19 left in the game. Ivan Provorov tied the match 2-2 about a minute before Marchenko’s decisive goal. Cole Sillinger added an empty-net goal.
Columbus won 4-2.
Max Shabanov and Bo Horvat scored for the Isles.
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (86) celebrates scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the third period at Nationwide Arena on December 28, 2025. (Russell LaBounty/Imagn Images)
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The Blue Jackets will return to the ice on Monday against the Ottawa Senators. New York plays again on Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
