Mammoth grab top spot but lose Sergachev: Central Division roundup

The Central Division picture shifted on Tuesday night, with the Utah Mammoth climbing into top spot but losing a key piece to injury, the Minnesota Wild dropping a painful overtime decision, and the Winnipeg Jets’ makeshift goaltending tandem continuing to deliver results.

Mammoth on top as Sergachev exits win over Devils

Utah’s 5–3 victory over the New Jersey Devils was enough to move the Mammoth into first place in the Central with 6 points through 4 games (3-1-0). The win came at a cost, though. Mikhail Sergachev left the game with an upper-body injury after being struck in the head by a clearing attempt. No further details were provided, but the incident casts a shadow over what has otherwise been an encouraging start in Utah.

Wild let one slip in Buffalo, Foligno hurt

The Minnesota Wild, who sit second with 5 points in 3 games (2-0-1), watched a road win slip away in Buffalo. The Sabres erased a two-goal deficit and won 3–2 in overtime, with Owen Power finishing the comeback in the extra frame on a night full of rallies across the league. Minnesota also lost forward Nick Foligno to an upper-body injury; he left the game early and did not return as the Wild settled for a single point.

Jets’ hot start, Predators edged, Blackhawks on the board

In Winnipeg, the story remains the crease. With Connor Hellebuyck sitting out after a trade request, the Jets have turned to Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson, and early returns are strong. An early-season analysis notes Winnipeg has banked five of a possible six points thanks to Skinner’s steady work, improved special teams and the physical edge brought by Tyrel Bauer. The Jets are third in the Central, tied in points with Minnesota.

The Nashville Predators sit fifth with 3 points in 3 games (1-1-1) after a 5–4 loss in overtime or a shootout in Toronto. That game doubled as a milestone night for the Maple Leafs, with top prospect Gavin McKenna collecting his first NHL points, including his first goal, against Nashville.

Lower in the standings, the St. Louis Blues (7th, 2 points) fell 4–2 to the Chicago Blackhawks. Chicago remains eighth with 2 points in 4 outings (1-3-0) but finally has a win to show for its efforts. The Colorado Avalanche (4th, 4 points in 2 games) and Dallas Stars (6th, 2 points in 3 games) were idle Tuesday but stay firmly in the early-season mix in a Central Division that already looks tight.