National Sports

EDMONTON — The fact the Edmonton Oilers have missed the playoffs in 12 of the last 13 seasons isn't all CEO Bob Nicholson's fault, but it certainly is his problem as he begins an overhaul of the team's hockey operations department this off-season.

TAMPA, Fla. — Baylor and Notre Dame capped the women's college basketball season with a thrilling championship game.

SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR, Spain — Janine Beckie and substitute Sophie Schmidt scored early in the second half to lift Canada to a 2-1 win over Nigeria in a women's soccer friendly Monday. Jayde Riviere, an 18-year-old from Markham, Ont.

TIORONTO, Ont. — Montreal businessman Clifford Starke will formally announce Thursday his "intent to purchase" the Montreal Alouettes.

Pascal Siakam confidently launches shots he may not have dared attempt in previous seasons. He makes plays during times of the game when he would have been sitting on the bench.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Dale Tallon and Joel Quenneville are together again, and the Florida Panthers are ready for them to recreate their magic.

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Virginia Tech guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is the latest Canadian to declare he is entering the NBA draft.

NEW YORK — St. Louis Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko, Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne and Dallas Stars winger Alexander Radulov are the NHL's three stars for the week.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact have been logging some serious air miles to start the Major League Soccer season and some of the players are beginning to feel the effects.

From rivalries to repeats, there'll be a lot on the line when the NHL playoffs begin on Wednesday.