National Sports

CALGARY — What it will take to take to get women's professional hockey in North America out of a "slurve" seems to be more time, talk and trust.

MONTREAL — A community activist and former CFL player is entering the race to become mayor of Montreal. Balarama Holness announced today he'll compete for the city's top job under the banner of his new political party, Movement Montreal.

EDMONTON — The Winnipeg Jets contained the NHL's top two scorers and their goaltender Connor Hellebuyck did the rest in a 4-1 win Wednesday over the Edmonton Oilers to open their first-round playoff series. Hellebuyck was stellar with 32 saves.

DENVER (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon finished his first career playoff hat trick with an empty-net goal to help the Colorado Avalanche pull away late for a 6-3 win over St.

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Alex Verdugo and J.D. Martinez hit back-to-back homers during a five-run first inning, Garrett Richards won his fourth straight decision and the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-3 on Wednesday night.

RALEIGH, N.C.

BOSTON (AP) — Craig Smith scored 5:48 into the second overtime Wednesday night to give the Boston Bruins a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals and a 2-1 lead in their East Division first-round playoff series.

QUEBEC — A hat trick from Benjamin Tardif powered the Victoriaville Tigres to a dominant 9-2 victory over the Charlottetown Islanders in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoff action on Wednesday.

BELLEVILLE, Ont. — The Belleville Senators kept their win streak alive Wednesday, downing the Toronto Marlies 6-4 in American Hockey League play.

CALGARY — It wasn't exactly the way he imagined it, but for Connor Mackey, scoring his first NHL goal was still a great feeling. “It’s pretty special," said the 24-year-old Calgary Flames defenceman.