Hughes hits 500 points as Wild stay on top — Central Division roundup

No Central Division teams hit the ice last night, but the past 24 hours still revolved around a dramatic return in Vancouver, a tough Heritage Classic loss for Winnipeg, and another loud statement from Dallas and Nashville offences.

Hughes reaches 500 points as Wild pace the division

Sitting first in the Central with 18 points in 13 games, the Minnesota Wild stayed in the spotlight. Sportsnet reports that Quinn Hughes scored on the power play and added an assist in a 4–2 win over the Canucks on Sunday, giving him 500 career NHL points.

He hit the milestone in his first game back in Vancouver, where he played six seasons and wore the captain’s “C,” as Daily Faceoff notes. According to Sportsnet, Hughes drew a mixed reception: boos, harsh chants and some cheers, including after a video tribute and a heavy hit that fired up the crowd. Kirill Kaprizov chipped in two points in the victory, helping the Wild maintain a two-point cushion over Utah atop the division.

Jets fall in Heritage Classic, Scheifele chases history

The Winnipeg Jets’ outdoor showcase ended in frustration. At the Heritage Classic at Princess Auto Stadium, Sportsnet and La Presse report that the Canadiens edged the Jets 2–1. Jacob Fowler was described by Sportsnet as the best player on the ice for Montreal, while Cole Caufield picked up two assists and Lane Hutson and Kaiden Guhle scored for the Habs.

Isak Rosen scored in the third period to cut the deficit to 2–1, according to Sportsnet, but Winnipeg couldn’t find an equalizer and remains seventh in the Central with 11 points in 11 games. Off the ice, Sportsnet highlights Mark Scheifele’s pursuit of Dale Hawerchuk’s franchise records for goals and points, as the Jets centre reflects on the impact of his late father and Hawerchuk on his career.

Stars surge, Predators pound Avalanche

In Dallas, the Stars continue to justify their third-place standing in the Central (15 points in 11 games). Sportsnet recaps a 6–3 win over the Islanders in which Jason Robertson scored twice, while Wyatt Johnston and Tyler Seguin each registered a goal and an assist, underlining Dallas’s offensive depth.

Lower in the standings but just as loud on the scoreboard, the Nashville Predators (fifth with 12 points in 11 games) crushed the Colorado Avalanche 6–2 on Sunday, per Sportsnet. Ryan O’Reilly led the way with two goals and two assists, and Roman Josi, Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos each posted three points in a one-sided win. It’s a reminder that even from mid-pack, Nashville can overwhelm a divisional rival like Colorado (fourth with 13 points) when its attack clicks.