National Sports

TORONTO — Brian Poli-Dixon found himself at loose ends after an injury — ripping his hamstring off the bone — forced him to retire from the NFL.

TORONTO — Laval Rouge et Or defensive lineman Mathieu Betts has held onto the No. 1 spot in the CFL's Scouting Bureau's final rankings for the 2019 draft. The Montreal native helped the Rouge et Or win the Vanier Cup last year.

Some 7 1/2 weeks into the season, Toronto FC is hitting the road for just the third time. At the same stage last year, Toronto had been to Mexico and Colorado (both twice) and Montreal.

Forrest Gregg, the great lineman for the mighty Green Bay Packers of the 1960s whom Vince Lombardi called the "best player I ever coached," has died. He was 85. The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced his death Friday but did not disclose details.

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors are about to tip off perhaps the most-anticipated post-season run in franchise history.

MONTREAL — After surviving the longest road trip in their franchise's history, Montreal Impact players are brimming with confidence ahead of their home opener.

ESPOO, Finland — The dynamic in Canada's leadership shifted during the women's world hockey championship.

Thursday's Games Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Toronto 4 Boston 1 (Maple Leafs lead series 1-0) Washington 4 Carolina 2 (Capitals lead series 1-0) Calgary 4 Colorado 0 (Flames lead series 1-0) --- AHL Charlotte 5 Cleveland 4 (OT) --- MLB American

Thursday's Games Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Toronto 4 Boston 1 (Maple Leafs lead series 1-0) Washington 4 Carolina 2 (Capitals lead series 1-0) Calgary 4 Colorado 0 (Flames lead series 1-0) --- AHL Charlotte 5 Cleveland 4 (OT) --- MLB American

CALGARY — It took 13 seasons but goaltender Mike Smith finally heard his name chanted at a game – and in a good way.