BUFFALO – Kirill Marchenko’s remarkable natural hat trick set the tone for the Columbus Blue Jackets in a commanding 9-4 victory over the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on Tuesday. The win was a showcase of Marchenko’s skill and the Blue Jackets’ offensive prowess.
Columbus coach Pascal Vincent praised Marchenko for his talent and impact in the dressing room, emphasizing his role in bringing the team together. Johnny Gaudreau’s goal and two assists, along with Daniil Tarasov’s 25 saves, contributed significantly to the Blue Jackets’ (11-17-5) victory. “It’s an exciting win for us,” Gaudreau said, highlighting the team’s collective effort.
The Sabres (13-17-3), despite efforts from Rasmus Dahlin and Dylan Cozens, couldn’t contain the Blue Jackets’ offensive surge. Goalie Devon Levi struggled, allowing four goals on 18 shots before being replaced by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Buffalo captain Kyle Okposo acknowledged the team’s need for consistency and the demanding nature of the NHL season.
Marchenko’s second goal, a creative power-play effort, extended the Blue Jackets’ lead in the first period. His third goal, completing the hat trick, set a record for the fastest two goals scored by a single player in Blue Jackets history. “When we play all together, it’s easy,” Marchenko said, appreciating his linemates Yegor Chinakhov and Dmitri Voronkov.
Dahlin gave the Sabres an early lead, but Gaudreau’s equalizer and Adam Fantilli’s sharp-angled goal turned the tide for Columbus. Erik Gudbranson and Sean Kuraly added to the tally, with Kuraly’s goal emphasizing the Blue Jackets’ dominance.
Okposo reflected on the team’s struggles, highlighting the unforgiving nature of the league. “It’s an [unforgiving] league. If you are off at all, it is gonna get shoved down your throat really hard,” he said, taking responsibility for the team’s preparedness.
Despite late goals from Okposo, Thompson, and Cozens, Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson’s goals for Columbus secured the emphatic win. Tage Thompson emphasized the importance of action over words: “We can say all the things we want to say in the locker room, we’ve got to go out and do it.”
Notable Notes:
- Marchenko’s hat trick is the second for Columbus this season, following Boone Jenner’s earlier achievement.
- Gaudreau’s three-point game marks his 57th, a milestone among U.S.-born players in the NHL.
- Dahlin’s early goal ranks as one of the fastest by a defenseman in Sabres history.
The Blue Jackets’ victory, fueled by Marchenko’s standout performance and the team’s offensive depth, serves as a significant morale booster, illustrating their potential when firing on all cylinders.
