National Sports

DENVER (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon finished his first career playoff hat trick with an empty-net goal to help the Colorado Avalanche pull away late for a 6-3 win over St.

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Alex Verdugo and J.D. Martinez hit back-to-back homers during a five-run first inning, Garrett Richards won his fourth straight decision and the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-3 on Wednesday night.

RALEIGH, N.C.

BOSTON (AP) — Craig Smith scored 5:48 into the second overtime Wednesday night to give the Boston Bruins a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals and a 2-1 lead in their East Division first-round playoff series.

QUEBEC — A hat trick from Benjamin Tardif powered the Victoriaville Tigres to a dominant 9-2 victory over the Charlottetown Islanders in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoff action on Wednesday.

BELLEVILLE, Ont. — The Belleville Senators kept their win streak alive Wednesday, downing the Toronto Marlies 6-4 in American Hockey League play.

CALGARY — It wasn't exactly the way he imagined it, but for Connor Mackey, scoring his first NHL goal was still a great feeling. “It’s pretty special," said the 24-year-old Calgary Flames defenceman.

WORCESTER, Mass. — Top Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Alek Manoah delivered his third strong start in as many outings on Wednesday night for the triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

NEW YORK — With the NHL regular season finally over, the league has officially recognized Edmonton captain Connor McDavid as the winner of the 2020-21 Art Ross Trophy and Toronto forward Auston Matthews as the winner of the Maurice (Rocket) Richard A

Nick Bontis laughs when asked about his work schedule Bontis, who turns 52 on May 27, juggles his duties as Canada Soccer president with his day job as an associate professor at McMaster University's DeGroote School of business.