National Sports

VANCOUVER — A difficult season is wearing on the Vancouver Canucks. With rumours of a coaching change swirling and facing a rash of fearsome opponents, the team dropped a 4-1 decision to the visiting Colorado Avalanche on Friday.

LONDON, Ont. — Brody Crane scored twice, George Diaco had a goal and three assists as the London Knights dominated the Owen Sound Attack en route to a 9-1 win on Friday.

SHERBROOKE, Que. — Joshua Roy scored two goals to power the Sherbrooke Phoenix to a 3-1 win over the Victoriaville Tigres on Friday.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins have spent much of the last month fending off injuries and erratic and occasionally uninspired play.

PHOENIX (AP) — Ronnie Gajownik has been hired as manager of the Hillsboro Hops, becoming the first woman to manage a minor league Class High-A team, the Arizona Diamondbacks announced Friday.

LA QUINTA, Calif.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Hurricanes winger Max Pacioretty has suffered a second tear of his right Achilles tendon, the team said Friday.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — One of Brooke Henderson’s goals heading into the newly minted LPGA season was to get herself into contention more often.

TORONTO — Rick Bowness made a promise when he turned his attention behind the bench. Having just retired, the journeyman centre would coach the way he wanted — the way he wished — he had been coached.

ROME (AP) — Juventus was hit with a massive 15-point penalty for false accounting Friday following an appeal hearing at the Italian soccer federation. The punishment could eliminate the club’s chances of playing in Europe next season.