National Sports

OITA, Japan — Refreshed after an 11-day break, New Zealand gave Canada a 63-0 thrashing that was expected in the Rugby World Cup on Wednesday.

The St. Louis Blues will look a lot like the team that won the franchise's first Stanley Cup when the puck drops for the NHL's season-opening game against the 2018 champion Washington Capitals.

WASHINGTON — After all the heartache and close calls, all the early exits, maybe it makes sense that a 20-year-old kid who never had been to the post-season , Juan Soto, would help the Washington Nationals finally advance.

Tuesday's Games MLB Post-season National League Wild Card Washington 4 Milwaukee 3 --- Wednesday's Games (All times Eastern) NHL Ottawa at Toronto, 7 p.m. Washington at St. Louis, 8 p.m. Vancouver at Edmonton, 10 p.m. San Jose at Vegas, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday's Games MLB Post-season National League Wild Card Washington 4 Milwaukee 3 --- !g ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER — While Quinn Hughes is looking forward to his rookie season, the young Vancouver Canucks defenceman isn't relishing his first assignment of the year — defending Oilers juggernaut Connor McDavid.

TORONTO — There is plenty to like about the youth movement building within the Toronto Blue Jays. The question now is how long will it take for those youngsters to play meaningful games. Bo Bichette looks like the real deal.

DOHA, Qatar — Canada's Andre De Grasse says it's mission accomplished at the world track and field championships. The 24-year-old from Markham, Ont.

EDMONTON — With the woebegone Edmonton Oilers set to open their NHL season Wednesday, new general manager Ken Holland bristled when it was suggested fans are being told to be patient for a playoff contender. "I don't think I've said that.

Winnipeg Jets centre Bryan Little has been diagnosed with a concussion. Little is in concussion protocol after taking a hit from Luke Kunin of the Minnesota Wild in a pre-season game on Sunday.