The Columbus Blue Jackets have a Russian prospect that cannot stop scoring goals.
His name is Yegor Chinakhov Kirill Marchenko.
The 21-year old, who could come over to the NHL as soon as next year, had a monster game on Wednesday, scoring in regulation and then twice in the shootout to give SKA the win.
His regulation goal came on the power play, where he found himself open on the back post after a high-low passing play. The tally was his fourth power-play goal of the season, which is notable when considering SKA has played just 12 games.
Kirill Marchenko PP #hcSKA #CBJ
— This is the KHL (@ThatPuckStick) September 29, 2021
3-1 Traktor #KHL pic.twitter.com/A2G6xGrpt5
Later, in the shootout, he showed off his slick hands, going forehand-backhand-forehand before tucking it past the desperate netminder.
SHOOTOUT
— This is the KHL (@ThatPuckStick) September 29, 2021
Kirill Marchenko SO #hcSKA #KHL #CBJ pic.twitter.com/KnwkFPTkpb
Then, after the shootout went to sudden death, Marchenko was called upon again (note: players can only shoot once in NHL shootouts), this time utilizing his patented snapshot.
SHOOTOUT WINNER!!
— This is the KHL (@ThatPuckStick) September 29, 2021
Kirill Marchenko SO - 2nd in shootout
4-3 SKA #KHL #CBJ pic.twitter.com/EA9S3RnDRK
Marchenko is having a killer start to his third full season in the KHL. Through 12 games, the winger has 7-3-10 (G-A-P). For reference, he posted 7-9-16 in 31 games as a rookie, then 15-13-28 last season in 41 games. He's third on his team in points, which is staggering when considering he's only playing 13:59 per game.
Amazingly enough, this may not have been his most impressive game this week; On Monday, he registered a Gordie Howe Hat Trick by tallying a goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game (a 6-5 shootout loss).
— This is the KHL (@ThatPuckStick) September 27, 2021
Gordie Howe Hat Trick today for Kirill Marchenko#hcSKA #CBJ pic.twitter.com/lNJ9V68Exd
The Blue Jackets have been pouring draft capital into Russian prospects, and it's starting to bear fruit. Chinakhov has a strong chance to make the opening night roster in just a few weeks. Danill Tarasov could be the long-term potential heir to the goalie throne in Columbus. Dmitri Voronkov is projected to be a middle-six center at the NHL level, and Marchenko looks to be a top-six NHL winger in his future.
