National Sports

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Another Toronto FC defeat. But this time the loss takes a back seat to Lionel Messi's health.

NEW YORK (AP) — Kevin Gausman tossed six shutout innings, outpitching Michael King as they traded strikeouts all night, and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 6-1 on Wednesday for their fifth consecutive victory.

OTTAWA — With a new owner incoming and stability throughout the roster, the Ottawa Senators have reasons for optimism heading into this NHL season.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog sees a much clearer path back to the ice even if he's not expected to play this season.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami's lineup on Wednesday night. It was a short-lived comeback.

Professional Women's Hockey League general manager Gina Kingsbury and coach Carla MacLeod, who both have deep roots in international hockey, say the new league can close gaps between countries on the world stage.

TORONTO — Brad Treliving wasn't on the hunt for a new job. His wife, however, was starting to nudge him in that direction after he parted ways with the Calgary Flames in April following nine seasons as general manager.

WINNIPEG — Rick Bowness has moved on from being criticized by some Winnipeg Jets at the end of his first season as head coach.

VANCOUVER — From the top of hockey operations to how its farm team trains and plays, the Vancouver Canucks maintain they're all aligned heading into the start of the new NHL season.

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Bruins named Brad Marchand captain on Wednesday, putting the “C” previously worn by the soft-spoken and universally revered Patrice Bergeron on the sweater of a notorious instigator who — the team insists — has moved on from