National Sports

CALGARY — Almost, but not quite, was the theme of the Calgary Flames' season. On the losing side of 30 one-goal games, including an NHL-leading 17 in overtime or a shootout, the Flames ended up two points out of a playoff spot.

Despite some close calls, Canada's confidence hasn't wavered in its quest for a third straight world title. The hosts are entering the semifinals of the women's world hockey championship coming off two tightly-contested wins.

IRVINE, Calif. (AP) — Dallas Eakins was the Anaheim Ducks' coach during the worst four-year stretch in franchise history.

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for the rest of the season after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his foot, the Premier League club said Friday.

TORONTO — Star winger Lorenzo Insigne could see a few minutes of action Saturday for the first time since exiting Toronto FC's season opener Feb. 25 with a groin injury.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators are missing the playoffs for a sixth straight year, but unlike years past there’s a belief this will be the last time for the foreseeable future. There’s good reason for that optimism.

MONTREAL — With CF Montreal off to their worst start ever in Major League Soccer, something needed to change ahead of a three-game homestand beginning Saturday against D.C. United.

VANCOUVER — The last time the Vancouver Whitecaps won on the road in Major League Soccer play was June 2022. Since that long-ago victory — a 2-0 decision over Dallas FC at Toyota Stadium — the ‘Caps have failed to secure a win as a visiting team.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Blues made immediate changes to Craig Berube’s coaching staff after missing the playoffs, firing assistants Craig MacTavish and Mike Van Ryn.

Kevin Rouet, who coached Canada to a fourth-place finish at last year's Women's Rugby World Cup, has been rewarded with a contract extension through the 2025 tournament.