National Sports

Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic insisted the desire was still there after Wednesday's 123-89 blowout loss to the visiting Sacramento Kings. "It's just desire to do better.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Auston Matthews still gets excited about facing Alex Ovechkin, one of his favorite players growing up. And even with Ovechkin authoring a vintage performance, Matthews found a way to steal the spotlight.

MONTREAL — Deanna Stellato-Dudek matched the home crowd's energy with fist pumps and elated cheers at centre ice. Maxime Deschamps called it "definitely the most emotional performance of my career." "It was really special," he said.

Toronto won its 11th straight PWHL game Wednesday when it extended that streak with a 2-1 win over visiting Boston. Toronto (10-3-0-5) topped the PWHL standings three points ahead of Minnesota in the new six-team women's professional hockey league.

SYDNEY, N.S. — Canada's team has embraced the grind of an unforgiving schedule at the world women's curling championship. The wins keep on coming no matter when the Ottawa-based foursome is playing.

TAMPA, Fla.

After years of feeling alienated by the NHL and campaigning to diversify the sport, Akim Aliu is getting another shot at playing pro hockey, this time with the San Jose Sharks' minor league affiliate.

FREDERICTON — The playoff picture became clear at the Canadian mixed doubles curling championship Wednesday.

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired right-handed pitcher Chris McElvain from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for infielder Santiago Espinal. The deal was announced Wednesday by Toronto. The 23-year-old McElvain from Columbia, Tenn.

WINNIPEG — A disgraced former high school football coach apologized during a sentencing hearing for the "grief and shame" he caused to the nine students he sexually assaulted.