What Happened
Kirill Marchenko scored about eight minutes into his first game back in Columbus, deflecting an Auston Matthews shot in off his foot, and the Toronto Maple Leafs went on to beat the Blue Jackets 6-2 on Tuesday night. Marchenko, who spent four seasons with Columbus, was booed each time he was announced, stepped on the ice, or touched the puck. Blue Jackets forward Adam Fantilli checked him heavily later in the first period, and the arena played a tribute video that included the hit.
Key Details
- Marchenko's goal opened the scoring roughly eight minutes into the first period.
- The goal came off an Auston Matthews shot that went in off Marchenko's foot.
- Marchenko was booed on announcements, shifts, and puck touches at Nationwide Arena.
- Fantilli said before the game that Marchenko's desire to leave was tough not to take personally.
- Nationwide Arena showed a tribute for Marchenko's four seasons in Columbus, mixed with the Fantilli hit.
- Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller said Marchenko played well and was dangerous.
What It Means
The game marked Marchenko's first appearance in Columbus since leaving the Blue Jackets, and the reception showed the split between the player and his former club. Fantilli's comments and hit underlined that tension. For Toronto, the road win was driven by an early goal from a player facing heavy pressure, while Columbus had no answer after falling behind.