National Sports

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche are on the brink of capturing the Central Division title even through their lengthy list of bumps and bruises, which includes being without their captain all season.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — If the teary-eyed hugs with his two sons and wife at the Zamboni entrance weren’t hints enough, Sabres goalie Craig Anderson made it official following a 4-3 overtime win against Ottawa on Thursday night.

BRAMPTON, Ont. — Aerin Frankel stopped 18 shots as the United States shut out Germany 3-0 in the women's world hockey championship quarterfinals Thursday afternoon.

TORONTO — The Blue Jays were left to focus on the small victories Thursday after the Detroit Tigers avoided a three-game sweep with a 3-1 win over Toronto at Rogers Centre.

BRAMPTON, Ont. — Sarah Nurse was poised to jump over the boards to celebrate — on at least three separate occasions.

MONTREAL — The Boston Bruins ended their historic regular season on a high note. David Pastrnak scored the winning goal with nine minutes remaining and Boston earned a 5-4 comeback win over rival Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.

NEW YORK (AP) — Noel Acciari scored the go-ahead goal late in third period, Joseph Woll made 22 saves and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the New York Rangers 3-2 on Thursday night in the season finale for both teams.

LONDON, Ont. — Ryan Humphrey scored twice, Sean McGurn had a goal and three assists and the London Knights cruised to a 5-1 series-opening win over the Kitchener Rangers Thursday night.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C.

Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman was scratched from the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Detroit Tigers due to a viral illness. Santiago Espinal replaced him at third base and batted eighth in the lineup.