Stars stun Jets in OT as Blues roll Knights: Central Division roundup

It was a busy night in the Central Division, with key results tightening the race at the top and turning up the heat in Winnipeg and Nashville.

Stars rally in OT, Jets skid hits four

In Dallas, the Stars erased a deficit to beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-2 in overtime. Sportsnet reports that Roope Hintz tied the game late in the third period, then finished it in OT by burying a breakaway five‑hole on Stuart Skinner off a stretch pass from Miro Heiskanen, his fifth goal of the season. It’s Winnipeg’s fourth straight loss, leaving the Jets sixth in the Central with 11 points in 10 games (4-3-3), while Dallas moves to third at 13 points through 10 (6-3-1). Sportsnet also highlighted Kyle Connor’s one‑timer goal in the loss.

Off the ice, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck remains at the centre of speculation. According to Frank Seravalli on Sportsnet, his situation with the Jets is evolving and several teams could be potential trade partners. In a separate segment, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted that defenceman Alexander Nikishin was not part of the Carolina Hurricanes’ offer to Winnipeg for Hellebuyck, as discussed on the 32 Thoughts podcast.

Blues crush Knights, Predators blown out

The St. Louis Blues, fifth in the division with 11 points in 10 games (5-4-1), delivered a statement 6-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Per Sportsnet, Dylan Holloway scored twice and Justin Barron put up an impressive four‑point night as the Blues cruised. Vegas was without Mitch Marner, who missed the game due to a family matter; Daily Faceoff notes the 29‑year‑old and his wife are welcoming their second child. Daily Faceoff also reports that Blues forward Zach Dean was among the players placed on waivers on Oct. 22.

It was a night to forget for the Nashville Predators, still seventh with 9 points in 9 games (3-3-3), as they were thumped 6-0 by the Boston Bruins. According to Sportsnet, David Pastrnak led the way with two goals and two assists in the shutout.

Top of the table: Wild, Mammoth and chasing pack

Up top, the Utah Mammoth remain first with 14 points from 11 games (7-4-0) despite a 5-3 loss in Seattle. Sportsnet notes that Jordan Eberle and Brandon Montour had two‑point nights for the Kraken in that win. Off the ice, Daily Faceoff reports Penguins winger Bryan Rust will miss at least six weeks with a lower‑body injury suffered when he crashed into the boards during Monday’s 5-4 loss to Utah.

The Minnesota Wild stay second with 14 points (6-3-2) after a 2-1 loss in Calgary. Sportsnet calls Devin Cooley’s 36‑save performance a “masterpiece,” with the Flames scoring twice on the power play in the first period and hanging on. Another Sportsnet recap notes that Aydar Suniev opened the scoring with his third career goal, followed by Joel Farabee’s tally. Before puck drop, both Sportsnet and Daily Faceoff confirmed that Wild captain Jared Spurgeon was activated from injured reserve after missing four games with an upper‑body injury. The Hockey News adds that Minnesota’s major eight‑year investment in Kirill Kaprizov is already paying off, with the star winger on track to contend for hardware.

Sportsnet also caught up with Blake Coleman ahead of his emotional return to Calgary, with the veteran saying he hopes he doesn’t get booed and reflecting on his good memories in the city.

Blackhawks learning on the job, Avalanche idle

The Chicago Blackhawks (3-6-0, last in the division with 6 points) were idle but will be back under the lights tonight when the Montreal Canadiens visit. Eyes on the Prize offers a full viewing guide for Game 10, including start time and regional broadcasts. La Presse, meanwhile, focuses on the painful learning curve of 2024 No. 2 pick Artyom Levshunov, emphasizing that his high‑end talent is obvious even as he adjusts.

The Colorado Avalanche (5-4-1, 11 points) also had the night off and sit fourth in a Central Division where all eight teams are currently separated by just eight points.