Islanders' retaliation sparks mayhem during loss to Blue Jackets

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The Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders’ matchup turned into an all-out brawl on the ice in the second period.

The mayhem 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 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 soon 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 was given a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for his actions.

Islanders players backed Barzal after the game.

"I think he’s p---ed off, felt 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, obviously."

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A scrum breaks out during the second period between the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Dec. 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’s ways to go about things, but it’s good to see Barzy do something. We got his back there.