Kirill Marchenko, the forward enjoying the best season of his career, is gearing up for the spotlight of the NHL Stadium Series. His recent goal, his 24th of the season, sealed the Columbus Blue Jackets’ victory over the Detroit Red Wings, solidifying his position as the team’s top scorer.
While Marchenko prefers goals that challenge the goaltender—those that showcase his skill and confidence—he wouldn’t hesitate to capitalize on an empty-net opportunity if it arises during the showdown at Ohio Stadium. The Russian forward is ready to embrace the national stage, where his talent will be on full display for a massive audience.
After practicing at the historic 103-year-old Ohio Stadium, Marchenko expressed his preference for “normal” goals—those that require beating the goaltender—as they boost his confidence. “I don’t like scoring open net. If you choose between normal goals and open nets, I choose normal goal,” he said Friday, according to NHL.com.
“It’s because scoring a goal with a goalie gives me more confidence. Still, I have confidence, but I feel better when I score against a goalie. But we needed to finish the game the right way and not give Detroit a chance,” Marchenko added.
Despite his preference, Marchenko understands the importance of securing victories, as demonstrated by his empty-net goal against Detroit. Far from being intimidated by the increased media exposure, he remains focused on delivering his best performance and proving his worth in every game.
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Marchenko’s impact and leadership
Mathieu Olivier, a Blue Jackets forward, emphasized Marchenko’s importance to the team’s offense, comparing his impact to Zach Werenski’s leadership on defense. “He’s meant everything to our group, especially up front,” Olivier said. “You’ve got [Werenski] on the back end leading the way. He’s doing that up front for us. Having a guy who’s supposed to be out longer but comes back early and just picks up where he left off—that’s toughness for you.”
Marchenko’s evolution in the NHL
Selected 49th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, Marchenko made his debut with the Blue Jackets during the 2022-23 season. His growth has been remarkable, jumping from 25 points in his rookie season to 42 points the following year. Now, he’s exceeding all expectations in the current campaign, emerging as a key player for Columbus. As the Blue Jackets prepare for the Stadium Series, Marchenko’s evolution and leadership will be crucial in their quest for success.
