National Sports

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A free-wheeling Jack Hughes had a goal and two assists and the New Jersey Devils beat the Montreal Canadiens 5-3 on Thursday night for their fourth win in five games.

President Dan MacKenzie believes the Canadian Hockey League and its players benefit from the NCAA's latest ruling that could create a big shift in hockey's development system.

OTTAWA — The New York Islanders survived a late comeback by the Ottawa Senators in Thursday's 4-2 win. The Islanders led 3-0 before Ottawa made it interesting in the third period.

CALGARY — Bobby Smyrniotis, shut out in five previous nominations, finally has a Coach of the Year Award to go with his four Canadian Premier League titles.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis Blues forward Dylan Holloway returned to the lineup Thursday night against Utah in the team's first game since he was taken to the hospital after getting hit in the neck with a puck.

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw is "planning to crush some rehab” in his recovery from two surgeries. Kershaw posted on Instagram that he had foot and knee procedures on Wednesday. He thanked Drs.

Coming into the new season the Toronto Raptors emphasized that they were going to play hard, fast, aggressive basketball. Nine games in, that style of play has become a double-edged sword for Toronto.

TORONTO — Ralph Holley has been a very pleasant find for the Toronto Argonauts. The first-year defensive tackle began the season on Toronto's practice roster before injuries landed him on the active roster and then the starting lineup.

TORONTO — Shola Jimoh was headed out to buy some food when he got a text from a number he didn't recognize. "I opened it and I saw (it from) Jesse Marsch. I was shocked," said the 16-year-old York United FC winger.

MONTREAL — Chad Kelly had a game — and performance — to forget 12 months ago. The Montreal Alouettes are hoping the Toronto Argonauts quarterback lives a similar nightmare this week.