National Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Ovechkin and Washington's best players got going just in time to put together their best period of the season and avoid what would have been the Capitals' worst four-game start in nearly a decade.

If Hockey Canada is going to truly change its culture then it must break from its old governance processes, say three experts.

OTTAWA — American receiver Jaelon Acklin was a full participant in practice Monday for the Ottawa Redblacks. Acklin missed Ottawa's 34-30 home loss to the Montreal Alouettes on Friday night with head/shoulder issues.

PARIS (AP) — Karim Benzema won the men’s Ballon d’Or for the first time on Monday after a brilliant season with Real Madrid capped by the Champions League and Spanish league titles.

Toronto FC has taken MLS pay to new heights with Italian star Lorenzo Insigne making US$14 million annually, according to new figures released by the Major League Soccer Players Association.

TORONTO — The rebuilding Toronto Raptors were a revelation last season.

Five teams have clinched CFL playoff berths but only Zach Collaros and the Grey Cup-champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers know when and where they'll be once the postseason begins. Winnipeg (league-best 14-3 record) has cemented first in the West Division.

NEWPORT, R.I.

Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid and Jake Oettinger were named the NHL's three stars of the week on Monday. Crosby was named the first star as he led his Pittsburgh Penguins to two consecutive victories to open the season.

Edmonton Elks starting quarterback Taylor Cornelius is set to miss the team's season finale due to a spleen injury, the team announced Monday. Cornelius suffered the injury on Saturday in the team's 28-23 loss to the Toronto Argonauts.