National Sports

TORONTO — Steven Stamkos was in a much better mood after the Tampa Bay Lightning's latest effort. An 11-point night from the top line and a renewed commitment to team structure will do that.

OTTAWA — Anders Nilsson took the blame for the Ottawa Senators staying winless to start the season Nilsson stopped 31 shots in his first start of the campaign as Ottawa fell to the Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues 6-4 on Thursday night.

CALGARY — Canadian bobsled pilot Justin Kripps would normally be shaking off rust and testing equipment on Calgary's sliding track at this time of year.

PHILADELPHIA — Gabe Kapler took the fall for the Philadelphia Phillies. He was fired Thursday, nearly two weeks after a disappointing finish to a season of big expectations highlighted by Bryce Harper's arrival.

American college football's rushing leader — and a focal point in this year's Heisman Trophy conversation — is a Canadian. Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard, a 20-year-old native of Sherwood Park, Alta.

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders need a win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders Friday night for a chance to finish atop the CFL's West Division standings. The Stampeders are 9-5 while Saskatchewan, winners of four straight, have climbed to 10-4.

TORONTO — Samuel Piette was just 17 when he made his senior debut for Canada against the U.S.

STUTTGART, Germany — Canada's Ellie Black was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain after narrowly missing the podium in the all-around competition on Thursday at the world gymnastics championships.

TORONTO — McLeod Bethel-Thompson is back as the Toronto Argonauts' starting quarterback. Bethel-Thompson will begin his second stint of the season under centre Friday night when Toronto (2-12) hosts the Ottawa Redblacks (3-11) at BMO Field.

SHANGHAI — Third-seeded Daniil Medvedev continued his quest to reach a sixth consecutive ATP Tour final after beating Canadian qualifier Vasek Pospisil 7-6 (7), 7-5 in their round-of-16 match on Thursday at the Shanghai Masters.