National Sports

Auston Matthews saw it as only a matter of time. The NHL's Atlantic Division has largely included two distinct classes — to varying degrees — over the last number of years.

TOKYO — Canadian Denis Shapovalov remains perfect at the Japan Open. The seventh-seeded Canadian advanced to the seminals with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Croatia's Borna Coric on Friday. "I think I played great today," said Shapovalov.

Tyson Beukeboom, Elissa Alarie and Karen Paquin kick off their third Rugby World Cup on Saturday when third-ranked Canada takes on No. 13 Japan in Pool B play at Northland Events Centre in Whangarei, New Zealand.

The Toronto Blue Jays will face the Seattle Mariners in the American League Wild-Card Series starting Friday.

A new NHL season brings hope and excitement to teams and fans alike. Potential stars of the future are part of that. The Canadian Press takes a look at six rookies to watch in 2022-23.

Thursday's Scoreboard NFL Indianapolis 12 Denver 9 (OT) --- NHL Pre-Season Ottawa 4 Montreal 3 Florida 3 Tampa Bay 2 N.Y. Islanders 5 New Jersey 2 Columbus 7 St.

DENVER (AP) — Stephon Gilmore batted away Russell Wilson’s pass to Courtland Sutton in the end zone on fourth-and-1 from the 5 to give the Indianapolis Colts a 12-9 overtime victory over the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.

SHERBROOKE, Que. — Tristan Allard scored the game-winning goal in overtime as the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies handed the Sherbrooke Phoenix their first loss of the season with a 5-4 victory on Thursday.

BARRIE, Ont. — In an impressive display of offensive balance, the Barrie Colts had five different players score in their 5-2 win over the Niagara IceDogs on Thursday.

CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) — Jodi Ewart Shadoff went on a run of four straight birdies late in her round Thursday for an 8-under 64, taking a two-shot lead in the LPGA Mediheal Championship.