National Sports

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens are desperate to fix their dreadful penalty kill. The Canadiens conceded two power-play goals to Evander Kane in a 4-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.

NEW YORK — With a salary of US$3.8 million in 2019, Spanish playmaker Alejandro Pozuelo is looking like a bargain for Toronto FC. But Toronto-born fullback Richie Laryea, at the MLS-minimum $56,250, is a downright steal.

WASHINGTON — The Houston Astros fired assistant general manager Brandon Taubman on Thursday for directing inappropriate comments at female reporters during a clubhouse celebration, announcing the decision in the middle of the World Series and putting

WINNIPEG — Zach Collaros knows his history of concussions raises concerns, but he's feeling healthy and ready to start for the Blue Bombers on Friday.

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs thought they needed a new voice in the dugout. They are banking on good ol' "Grandpa Rossy" to give them a spark.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Canada suffered its first defeat at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier, losing to Hong Kong by 32 runs Thursday. The Canadian men (3-1-0) had previously beaten Jersey, Nigeria and Ireland.

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors' already short bench might be even shorter in Boston on Friday.

TORONTO — With an off day to clear his head, Auston Matthews made a point of unplugging his hockey brain. "Just chill," the Maple Leafs centre said of the approach to 24 hours away from the rink. "Put on a nice show, go for a walk, go for dinner.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact will not be bringing back head coach Wilmer Cabrera for the next Major League Soccer season. The Impact announced Thursday that Cabrera's contract has expired and will not be extended.

TORONTO — The sudden death of Saskatchewan curler Aly Jenkins is shedding light on a devastating complication of childbirth that some doctors say could benefit from a national surveillance system to track maternal deaths and suggest fixes.