Rantanen’s OT hat trick lifts Stars: Central Division roundup

The Central Division’s Tuesday slate delivered overtime drama, late power-play daggers and more intrigue around Connor Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg.

Stars: Rantanen puts on a show vs. Bruins

In Dallas, the Stars earned a statement 3-2 overtime win over the Boston Bruins. According to Sportsnet, Mikko Rantanen scored all three Stars goals, finishing the night with an overtime winner on a slick backhand to complete his hat trick. Jason Robertson chipped in two assists in the victory. Daily Faceoff notes that veteran defenceman Esa Lindell missed the game with a lower-body injury and has yet to record a point this season.

Wild: tough loss against Oilers’ elite power play

Minnesota remains near the top of the Central with 14 points in 10 games, but left Edmonton with only a single point after a 4-3 overtime loss. Sportsnet reports that the Oilers struck for three power-play goals, including Evan Bouchard’s overtime winner on a high shot after a faceoff. Leon Draisaitl scored twice, with one goal coming on a 5-on-3 in the dying seconds of the first period. Connor McDavid registered three assists; according to Daily Faceoff and Sportsnet, he became the fastest player in NHL history to reach 20 assists to start a season, hitting that mark on Bouchard’s winner.

Avalanche stumble, Blues edge Jets late

The Colorado Avalanche, sitting fourth in the division, fell 4-3 to the New Jersey Devils. Sportsnet notes that Luke Evangelista recorded a goal and an assist for New Jersey, and Jesper Boqvist’s third-period marker stood up as the game-winner. On the Colorado side, Cale Makar set up a Gabriel Landeskog goal with an impressive individual play, deking through the defence before feeding his captain, via Sportsnet.

In St. Louis, the Blues slipped past the Winnipeg Jets 2-1. As reported by Sportsnet, Jimmy Snuggerud opened the scoring in the first period, and Philip Broberg snapped a 1-1 tie with a power-play goal at 8:47 of the third. Joel Hofer turned aside 32 shots to secure the win, keeping Winnipeg in fifth place in the Central, four points back of first.

Jets, Blackhawks and a tight Central picture

Off the ice, The Hockey News writes that Jets captain Adam Lowry has addressed the possibility of Connor Hellebuyck returning to the team, with GM Kevin Cheveldayoff having previously left the door open to a reunion. The Hockey Writers adds that the Buffalo Sabres remain linked to Hellebuyck in trade speculation, but only at the right price from Buffalo’s perspective.

In Chicago, The Hockey Writers points out that the Blackhawks’ 3-6-0 start through nine games has produced underwhelming early returns. At the top of the division, Utah leads with 14 points, just ahead of Minnesota, while Dallas climbs to third with 11 points, chased closely by Colorado and Winnipeg in an already crowded Central race.