National Sports

With the NHL playoffs set to begin Wednesday, The Canadian Press takes a look at all eight first-round series.

TORONTO — A week before the Toronto Raptors tip off the much-anticipated NBA post-season, their strong finish Sunday against a desperate Miami team gave a glimpse of what playoff opponents might expect.

EDMONTON — Connor McDavid felt his leg injury was more serious than it actually was when he crashed into the net and limped off the ice during Edmonton's season finale against the Flames Saturday night.

Whenever Eric Desjardins reunites with his 1993 Montreal Canadiens teammates, the topic of Canada's ongoing Stanley Cup drought doesn't come up in conversation. "We don't see it that way.

PITTSBURGH — Cincinnati's Derek Dietrich admired a home run off Chris Archer in the second inning, and two innings later the Pittsburgh Pirates starter threw a 93 mph fastball behind Dietrich's waist, setting off a brawl Sunday that led to the ejecti

ESPOO, Finland — Dani Cameranesi had two goals and an assist to pace the United States to an 8-0 shutout of Switzerland in the group stage at the women's world hockey championship Sunday. The U.S.

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Kings said Sunday that Willie Desjardins is not a candidate to become the next head coach after serving in an interim role for most of the season.

TORONTO — Kelly Olynyk knows Canada has a crucial coaching decision to make — and he hopes it comes soon. "Hopefully they figure it out sooner rather than later so that we have a little time to get things rolling," Olynyk said Sunday morning.

The Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets are being rewarded for their on-ice success with growing online fanbases.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Bob Boughner has become the latest coach to pay for Florida's almost-annual inability to reach the Stanley Cup playoffs.