Darren Helm's first career hat trick came at opportune time for Detroit.
Behind Helm and 25 saves from Jimmy Howard, the Red Wings boosted their postseason chances with a 4-2 win over the free-falling Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre.
Gustav Nyquist remained red hot as he scored the other Detroit goal, extending his point streak to eight games.
The Red Wings, who snapped a three-game losing streak, maintained a grip on one of the Eastern Conference's two wild-card spots. Detroit has the same amount of points as Columbus, but the Blue Jackets have more non-shootout wins.
Jonathan Bernier surrendered four goals on 28 shots in Toronto's eighth straight loss.
The Maple Leafs are two points out of a playoff spot, but have played two more games than Columbus and Detroit.
[SportsNetwork.com]
