National Sports

BRANDON, Man. — Brad Gushue's success in curling has been a double-edge sword in his home province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

TORONTO — When John Tavares skated onto the ice during the introductions of starters Saturday night, his Maple Leafs teammates peeled off to allow him to stand alone in the Scotiabank Arena spotlight.

MONTREAL — Pittsburgh's star players stepped up on Saturday night as the playoff race in the Eastern Conference continues to heat up.

LAS VEGAS — A Canada comeback fell just short in a 26-19 loss to Samoa on Saturday, consigning the Canadian men to the consolation Challenge Trophy part of the draw at the HSBC USA Sevens.

VANCOUVER — The new-look Vancouver Whitecaps fought hard but came up just short in their 2019 MLS season opener, dropping a 3-2 decision to Minnesota United on Saturday at B.C. Place Stadium.

CALGARY — Canadians Ted-Jan Bloeman and Ivanie Blondin were tied for sixth halfway through the world all-round speedskating championships on Saturday at the Olympic Oval in Calgary.

LAS VEGAS — Brazil's Johnny Walker needed just 36 seconds to stop Canadian light-heavyweight Misha Cirkunov in spectacular fashion Saturday on the undercard of UFC 235.

Brian Ramsay and the CFL Players' Association plan on holding commissioner Randy Ambrosie to his word when collective bargaining talks begin. The two sides are scheduled to begin negotiations March 11-12. The present deal expires May 15.

CHESTER, Pa. — Michael Bradley scored his first goal since the 2016 season and added another in the second half for his first career multi-goal MLS game as Toronto FC opened the season with a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Bryce Harper sounded like a typical Philadelphian talking about a goal every Phillies fan will endorse.