Kirill Marchenko is at it again.
The 20-year old, who is arguably the club's top prospect, posted a goal and an assist in St. Petersburg SKA's 5-3 over Amur (KHL). Through 20 games, Marchenko has tallied 7-6-13, and his seven goals are tied for fourth on the team. SKA, one of the more iconic teams in the KHL, is known for leaning on its veteran players in recent years, even employing players like Pavel Datsyuk.
Marchenko started the year on the fourth line alongside Vegas Golden Knights prospect Ivan Morozov (20) and Vancouver Canucks prospect Vasili Podkolzin (19). The trio has been dynamic in recent games and was recently promoted to top-line action for SKA.
A sight for tired eyes, Vasili Podkolzin back on the first line.
— Faber (@ChrisFaber39) November 22, 2020
The Marchenko-Morozov-Podkolzin line began the season as SKAs fourth line. https://t.co/goGIjCzjzT
Marchenko is known for his high-end offensive playmaking, and that was on full display on Sunday. This snipe knotted the game at 1-1.
! 1:1! pic.twitter.com/rtjvaIqqkX
— (@hcSKA) November 22, 2020
Later in the game, he set up Morozov with a beautiful no-look slip pass.
— (@hcSKA) November 22, 2020
Marchenko was pleased with the line's chemistry. "The coaches decided to go back to our old system of playing together", the winger said. "We had missed playing in one line, because we really do understand each other well. We're all the same age, we are in good relations and we receive positive emotions when competing together. Thankfully, everything went well for us on the ice today."
Earlier this month, DobberProspects had this to say about Marchenko:
Now in his sophomore campaign with SKA St.Petersburg, Marchenko is certainly fulfilling his long-term projected upside. What began as a slow and low-utilized start, has now blossomed into a successful stretch of top-line deployment. With just two points through his first eight matches, combined with a two-week battle with illness, the 20-year-old was in need of a boost. Well, that boost came in the form of a quick conditioning stint in the VHL, where he made a mockery of the developmental tier, producing seven points over just two games.
Since his return to the KHL, he has enjoyed an extended leash and is seeing consistent top-line minutes, including a spot on the club’s top powerplay unit. He now has 11 points (6G + 5A) since his return to the line-up and currently sits tied with fellow Blue Jacket draftee, Yegor Chinakhov, for tops among U21 skaters with 13 points on the year. Beyond his spiked production, he looks significantly more confident in his abilities – making patient plays, and utilizing his size and strong offensive skills well.
With Marchenko (and Dmitry Voronkov and Chinakhov) in tow, the Blue Jackets are keeping close tabs on the KHL. And with games like this, it's easy to understand why.
