It was just nine days ago that Columbus and Detroit faced off at Nationwide Arena in a chippy affair that saw almost as many brawls in the stands as on the ice . . .and more ejections. That one featured a 4 - 1 lead that was nearly squandered by the home team before gathering themselves and prevailing 5 - 3. With the Blue Jackets now firmly entrenched in the role of spoiler, and the Red Wings scratching and clawing to keep their playoff string alive, this one promised to be at least as competitive as the prior encounter.