National Sports

The Canadian men's basketball team took its place on the international stage in 2023.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took 2023 by storm, blossoming into a superstar on both the NBA and international stages.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks have talked about the need to stay focused recently while leading a surprising charge in the NHL standings. And the Philadelphia Flyers took advantage of distraction on Thursday night.

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — Hudson Thornton netted the game-winning goal at 18:20 of the third period as the Prince George Cougars edged the Calgary Hitmen 3-2 on Thursday in Western Hockey League action.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Andrei Svechnikov scored three times and Jesper Fast had two goals, helping Antti Raanta and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Montreal Canadiens 5-3 on Thursday night.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Zach Hyman, Evan Bouchard and Ryan McLeod each had a goal and an assist in the first period, and the Edmonton Oilers beat the San Jose Sharks 5-0 on Thursday night.

CHICOUTIMI, Que. — Loic Usereau knocked in the game-winning goal at 1:13 of overtime as the Chicoutimi Saguenéens edged the Drummondville Voltigeurs 5-4 on Thursday in Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League action.

OSHAWA, Ont. — Jake O'Brien score what proved to be the winner 5:23 into the third period and the Brantford Bulldogs edged the Oshawa Generals 5-4 on Thursday in Ontario Hockey League action.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Andrei Svechnikov scored three times and Jesper Fast had two goals, helping Antti Raanta and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Montreal Canadiens 5-3 on Thursday night.

BOSTON (AP) — Hoping to avoid a 28th straight loss that would match the longest losing streak in NBA history, the Detroit Pistons forced overtime against the league-best Celtics on Thursday night before Boston recovered to win 128-122.