If you only follow the NHL for Alexander Ovechkin’s goals, doubles and hat tricks, you might not know that there are 52 other Russians in the North American league.
One of them is Kirill Marchenko. The guy was born in Barnaul, in his youth he played in Yugra from Khanty-Mansiysk, then he entered the SKA system. Curiously, last season Marchenko was even sent to the Major League – to SKA-Neva, where he played two regular season games (1 + 2) and 12 playoff games (6 + 2). At the same time, there were 39 games in the KHL, in which Marchenko scored 20 (12 + 8) points. That is to say, it was clear that Kirill knew how to be productive. But he did not leave for the NHL like the other Kirill – Kaprizov, who immediately became the idol of all Minnesota, broke all club performance records and received the Calder Trophy as the best rookie of the year.
No, Marchenko left for the NHL as a hockey player which was not a big bet. He was raised in the SKA and sent to the “tower”, where he went through “the school of a young fighter”. Well, what can you expect? Kirill will play in the AHL, show something in the NHL, then return to St. Petersburg.
Marchenko had a great pre-season in Columbus, but then went to the American Hockey League. They even forgot him there, although Kirill played very well and scored 19 points (8+11) in 16 matches. His call to the NHL therefore seemed entirely deserved, especially since the Blue Jackets were falling and having a bad season.
And at Columbus, he kept scoring, scoring five goals in 14 games. And now for the meeting with Carolina, a sort of Altai derby: Marchenko against Andrey Svechnikov, also born in Barnaul.
Kirill’s debut goal is simply a masterpiece
It was clear that Marchenko had been charged for this game. He managed eight shots on target! Already in the 10th minute of the game, he created a brace, having converted the majority twice. What emerges in the majority at such times is already a remarkable sign. And the fact that Marchenko uses moments so well is great!
His first goal was not the result of a positional attack. Cyril picked up the puck on the right flank and flew with it into a weird area, turned behind the goal, rolled from behind and hit the nearest corner. Goalkeeper Antti Raanta simply did not have time to move there. The second goal turned out to be easier, but here Marchenko was in the right place at the right time.
Columbus wouldn’t have been an underdog in the Eastern Conference if he had played so well against the favorite. The score eventually went to 2-3 and Carolina scored three goals. Additionally, Max Pacioretti scored a double, and a hat-trick was also brewing there.
But in the 46th minute, a striker by the name of Marchenko (that’s how the North American commentator pronounced it with such accent) came out of the corner and again hit an accurate shot, leveling the score.
There were no goals in overtime. And Marchenko was the first to shoot the ball – and he scored again! Svechnikov and Teuvo Teräväinen scored against Carolina, but Patrick Laine and Kent Johnson scored against the hosts. Victory went to the Blue Jackets.
Marchenko: ‘I score when the holidays are in Russia’
How can you describe this game?
It’s hard to find a happier person than me. I’m just enjoying the moment, and of course, I’m a little tired.
Did your first goal in style give you confidence?
– Oh yeah! It was a beautiful moment that really gives confidence. But after making an early double, he started throwing even more. I understood that there was a chance for a hat-trick. And then they managed to score a ball. It’s not a day, but just wow! I just don’t have words to describe this moment.
– And after?
“We have to prepare for the next matches. We have a difficult course ahead of us. We have to keep this attitude, the same game. And we will try to keep winning.
Could you imagine the day would go like this?
– Well, what can I say? Dreams come true! Do a hat-trick in front of your audience, and the whole stadium supports you, throws caps on the ice. It’s just wow! I want to thank the fans for their incredible support.
– You went first to perform a ball. What did you decide to offer at that time?
– I usually watch what the guys in front of me do during penalty shoot-outs, how their goalkeeper plays. After that, I decide for myself what I’m going to do.
But here I had to go first. And I’m like, “Wow. OK. I’ll give it a try.” I don’t think I made an exceptional feint. But it worked, I scored.
– You masterfully achieved the third goal.
– Go on! I had a simple principle. I knew there was a door somewhere on the other side, and I just threw it. I don’t know how, but it worked.
– How did the partners on the bench react to your success?
They warmly congratulated me. And again, I want to thank the fans and partners for their incredible support. But we have a long season ahead of us, and it’s already time to think about the next game. We are already playing with Washington tomorrow. So we think about it. Even though the day was cool.
– Today is Christmas in Russia, isn’t it?
– Yes, you can imagine! I scored Dec. 31 against Chicago on New Years Eve. Now scored under Russian Christmas. It turns out that I mark only Russian holidays.
Source : MatchTV
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
