Defenseman Brenden Dillon slammed face first into the ice after a second period scrum during the Devils’ 5-3 loss to the Blue Jackets Monday night — an incident that would spark a bevy of fights throughout the rest of the game.

As the Devils led Columbus 2-1 in the second period, Jackets player Dmitri Voronkov pulled Dillon’s sweater over his face mid-scrum and landed a high punch, which knocked Dillon on the ice. Dillon could hardly stand up — let alone exit the ice — in the immediate aftermath, even with the help of New Jersey’s trainer.

So why, nearly 25 minutes later, did the seemingly head-injured defenseman return to the game? Sure, he didn’t return for the third period, but was it not risky for him to return after such a hard hit? NJ Advance Media asked coach Sheldon Keefe about this decision after the game.

“Yeah, obviously I’m on the bench so I’m not quite sure what’s happening with all of that,” Keefe said. “But I was surprised to see him back. But he was cleared, did all the tests he’s required to do and he wanted to come back to play. Obviously not that much time left so I just gave him a couple of shifts. But ultimately, with more time and discussions — despite the fact that he’s doing well — I just made the decision that we’d give him some time (to rest).”

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Keefe took issue with Voronkov’s conduct and how the Blue Jackets handled the rest of the game. Between the bevy of scrums in the aftermath, New Jersey and Columbus combined for 74 penalty minutes.

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“All I know is there is no more honourable player in this league than Brenden Dillon and plays as hard and honest game than anybody in the league. He would never do something like that to another player, that I know for certain. I don’t like it at all,” Keefe said.

“I don’t think [Dillon] knows he’s in a fight, I think he’s tackled from behind, and before he knows it, his helmet is off, his jersey is over his head, and you saw what happened from there.”

Dillon, 35, played his 1,000th game Monday night. He has three goals, nine points and 24 penalty minutes in 26 games this season. He’s arguably been New Jersey’s best defenseman all season.