Marchenko’s Hat Trick, Merzlikins’ 48 Saves Lift Blue Jackets Over Wild in High-Scoring Spoiler
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Kirill Marchenko recorded his fourth career hat trick and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins delivered a stellar 48-save performance in his season debut, leading the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 7-4 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night and spoiling the Wild’s home opener.
Zach Werenski and Boone Jenner each added a goal and two assists, while rookie Adam Fantilli also found the back of the net. Columbus struck early with a wrist shot goal from Miles Wood just 2:29 into the first period and never surrendered the lead.
Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov responded with a standout performance of his own, scoring twice on a career-high 11 shots and adding an assist. The game marked his first appearance since signing the largest contract in NHL history—an eight-year, $136 million extension just 11 days prior.
Matt Boldy chipped in a goal and an assist, and defenseman Zeev Buium notched his first NHL goal for the Wild, who fired a franchise-record 52 shots on goal but were undone by poor faceoff execution (winning just 38%) and missed scoring chances due to sloppy stickhandling and off-target shooting.
Despite the Wild’s offensive surge in shot volume—paired with a dominant opening night 5-0 win over St. Louis—Columbus’ offensive efficiency and Merzlikins’ strong play in net proved decisive. Marchenko, who went scoreless on eight shots in the Blue Jackets’ season-opening 2-1 loss to Nashville, broke out in a big way after a career-best 74-point campaign last season.
The loss dropped the Wild to 17-3-4 all-time in home openers. This game marked their first at the newly renamed Grand Casino Arena, formerly the Xcel Energy Center.
The Blue Jackets earned their first regulation win against the Wild in 12 meetings. Minnesota still leads the all-time series between the two 2000-01 expansion franchises at 35-23-11.
Up Next:
Columbus hosts New Jersey for its home opener on Monday, while Minnesota stays home to face Los Angeles.
