Utah Mammoth still on top as Jets roll, Bedard returns: Central Division roundup

Mammoth edge Leafs to remain first

The Utah Mammoth closed out their road trip with a 5–4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, a result that keeps them on top of the Central Division at 10 points through seven games (5-2-0). According to Sportsnet, Mikhail Sergachev posted a goal and an assist while Vincent Trocheck also scored in what was described as a high-scoring, defensively loose contest for Toronto.

Sportsnet notes that the Maple Leafs mounted a late push but fell short, with Gavin McKenna wiring home his second career goal to cut Utah’s lead to one in the third period. Even so, the Mammoth held on, reinforcing their early reputation as a dangerous offensive team capable of outscoring mistakes.

Jets surge past Wild, Spurgeon out

Right behind Utah, the Winnipeg Jets delivered a statement 5–2 win over the Minnesota Wild. As reported by Sportsnet, Cole Perfetti scored twice and Kyle Connor added his seventh goal of the season to pace the Jets’ attack. Winnipeg now sits second in the Central with nine points in six games (4-1-1), nudging ahead of the Wild, who are third with nine points in seven games (4-2-1).

Minnesota was missing a key piece on the back end, with Jared Spurgeon out against the Jets due to an upper-body injury, per Sportsnet. Beyond the game, Sportsnet also highlighted the strong contract year being put together by defenceman Quinn Hughes and discussed, via Frankly Hockey, what his future could look like if he departs Minnesota after this season.

Bedard debuts, Blues erupt, Avalanche win without Makar

In Chicago, the Blackhawks picked up a needed 5–3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins in Connor Bedard’s season debut. According to Sportsnet, Teuvo Teräväinen and Roman Kantserov each scored twice in the victory. The same outlet showed Sidney Crosby rifling home a wrist shot on the rush for his first goal of the season, but Spencer Knight and the Blackhawks held firm. Chicago still sits eighth in the Central with four points in seven games (2-5-0).

The St. Louis Blues authored the night’s biggest outburst with a 7–2 rout of the Ottawa Senators. Sportsnet reports that Pius Suter and Mason McTavish each had two goals and an assist, Jake Neighbours also scored twice, and Pavel Buchnevich picked up three helpers. The win moves St. Louis to seven points in six games (3-2-1), good for fifth in the division.

In a key Central clash, the Colorado Avalanche edged the Dallas Stars 3–2. Sportsnet notes that Martin Necas scored twice and Nathan MacKinnon added two assists. The network also highlighted a heated fight between MacKinnon and Roope Hintz, after which MacKinnon headed to the dressing room. Colorado played this one without Cale Makar, who, according to Daily Faceoff, missed the game to be present for the birth of his twins. The Avalanche now sit fourth at 8 points in six games (4-2-0), while Dallas is seventh with five points in six games (2-3-1).

For the Nashville Predators, it was a rough night in a 5–2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Sportsnet points out that Brett Howden recorded a goal and an assist and William Karlsson scored the game-winner for Vegas, leaving Nashville sixth in the Central with six points (2-2-2). Off the ice, The Hockey Writers reports that Matt Duchene will miss about three months after core surgery, opening the door for Arttu Hyry to get a longer NHL look with the Stars.