Kaprizov powers Wild in Florida as Utah grabs top spot — Central Division roundup

The top of the Central Division tightened up on Sunday. The Minnesota Wild and Utah Mammoth both picked up emphatic 4-1 wins to grab the top two spots, while the Colorado Avalanche were pushed back by a high-octane Maple Leafs performance.

Kaprizov takes over as Wild jump to second

In Sunrise, the Wild spoiled the Panthers’ home opener with a 4-1 victory. According to Sportsnet, Kirill Kaprizov led the way with his seventh career hat trick plus an assist, while Jesper Wallstedt turned aside 29 of 30 shots. Minnesota now sits at 3-1-1 with 7 points in 5 games, alone in second place in the Central, one point back of Utah with a game in hand.

Mammoth claim first place behind Vejmelka

The Mammoth matched that 4-1 scoreline in Buffalo. As Sportsnet reports, Kailer Yamamoto tied the game in the opening frame before Utah rattled off three unanswered goals. Goaltender Karel Vejmelka stopped 23 of 24 Sabres shots to lock it down. Utah improves to 4-2-0 for 8 points in 6 games, good for sole possession of first in the division.

Avalanche stumble, Blues rally back

It was a far tougher night for the Avalanche, who lost 6-3 to the Maple Leafs and stay on 6 points in 5 games (3-2-0), dropping to fourth. Sportsnet highlights William Nylander’s two goals and three assists and Auston Matthews’ four-point outing in the Toronto win. Nathan MacKinnon added a goal, his fourth of the year, but Colorado’s push wasn’t enough. Sportsnet and Daily Faceoff also note that Chris Tanev left the game with an upper-body injury.

The St. Louis Blues, meanwhile, erased an early deficit in a 5-3 comeback win over the Blue Jackets. Per Sportsnet, Jimmy Snuggerud scored twice in the second period and Dylan Holloway chipped in three assists. The result moves St. Louis into a tie with Dallas at 5 points (2-2-1). The Winnipeg Jets, who also sit on 7 points with a 3-1-1 record, were idle and remain third.

Predators, Stars and Blackhawks come up short

In Ottawa, the Predators dropped a 3-2 shootout decision. Sportsnet notes Shane Pinto had the deciding goal and Tim Stutzle recorded two points for the Senators. Nashville holds fifth in the Central with 6 points (2-1-2). The previously reported trade for defenceman Jayden Struble has already been covered on our site.

The Dallas Stars also fell in a shootout, 2-1 in Pittsburgh. According to Sportsnet, Connor Dewar opened the scoring early in the third period, Tyler Seguin tied it with 30 seconds left, and Rickard Rakell delivered the deciding shootout marker. Dallas remains on 5 points (2-2-1).

For the Chicago Blackhawks, the slide continued with a 5-2 loss to the Hurricanes. Sportsnet reports Jackson Blake had a goal and an assist and Mike Reilly added two helpers for Carolina. Chicago sits last in the Central with just 2 points in 6 games (1-5-0).