Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Mason Marchment tripped Matthew Schaefer, triggering a Mathew Barzal slash and on-ice brawl between the Columbus Blue Jackets-New York Islanders.
The incident occurred about 1:30 into the second period of the Blue Jackets' 4-2 comeback victory Sunday in Columbus, Ohio. Marchment, who logged an assist, and Barzal were penalized.
They could draw further discipline from the NHL, which reviews all games through its department of player safety.
"We are never going to blame a teammate for trying to defend a teammate," Islanders coach Patrick Roy told reporters.
Marchment tripped Schaefer and Barzal was NOT having it slashing him in response.
