National Sports

SAN DIEGO — Joey Votto didn't wait long to make an impact as the Cincinnati Reds' leadoff batter Thursday night.

Thursday's Games NHL Playoffs First Round Carolina 2 Washington 1 (Series tied 2-2) St.

Thursday's Games NHL Playoffs First Round Carolina 2 Washington 1 (Series tied 2-2) St.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Tomas Hertl provided the fast start and Martin Jones delivered the key saves that helped the San Jose Sharks flip the script in their playoff series against Vegas.

WINNIPEG — Jaden Schwartz called it a lucky goal, but it was a dagger to the Winnipeg Jets. The St. Louis forward scored with 15 seconds remaining in the third period, lifting the Blues to a 3-2 victory over Winnipeg on Thursday and handing St.

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes lost another forward — and won another playoff game. "'Next guy up' has been the memo lately," rookie Warren Foegele said. Enough of them have stepped up to even their series with the Washington Capitals.

NEW YORK — The Yankees have suspended the use of Kate Smith's recording of "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch while they investigate an allegation of racism against the singer.

CALGARY — The saying "when eating an elephant take one bite at a time" applies to the Calgary Flames.

OTTAWA — Canada's telecom regulator issued an order Thursday compelling Quebecor to maintain its TVA Sports signal to Bell TV subscribers and threatened to automatically suspend its licence should it fail to comply.

MINNEAPOLIS — Randal Grichuk, Justin Smoak and Teoscar Hernandez hit home runs and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Minnesota Twins 7-4 on Thursday. Eric Sogard added a three-run double for the Blue Jays, who took three of four at Target Field.