NHL news: Mayhem takes over Blue Jackets-Islanders game

The game 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 then took matters into his own hands and nailed Marchment with his stick in retaliation.

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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 December 28, 2025. (Russell LaBounty/Imagn Images)

Barzal became the target of Columbus players shortly after the hit, sparking the melee. NHL officials had to separate 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 misconduct penalty for his actions.

Islanders players supported Barzal after the game.

“I think he’s upset, he felt it was a dirty play against Schaef,” New York’s Adam Pelech told the New York Post after the match. “We are all with Barzy, obviously.”

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A melee breaks out 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 man, one of your best players,” he said. “So there’s a way to go about it, but it’s good to see Barzy do something. We supported him there. It’s a penalty I think we’re going to kill. So it’s good to see.”

The score was tied 1-1 at the time of the brawl, but Columbus would now gain the upper hand over New York.

Blue Jackets star Kirill Marchenko scored two goals, including one with 3:19 left. Ivan Provorov tied the score at 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 both scored for the Isles.

Columbus Blue Jackets right winger Kirill Marchenko (86) celebrates his 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 be back on the ice Monday against the Ottawa Senators. New York returns to play Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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