National Sports

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps won't be playing in the post-season this year but the team is still acutely aware of its ability to determine who does make the playoffs.

Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice revealed Friday that he met with defenceman Dustin Byfuglien this week, putting another off-ice development front and centre during an unusual training camp.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks know their playoff chances are quickly slipping away. Losers of five in a row, the Redblacks (3-9) are in desperate need of a victory to stay in post-season contention. Ottawa hosts the B.C.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact can't be intimidated by the towering figure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic if they hope to remain in playoff contention.

Montreal Alouettes defensive end John Bowman won't be rolling out the red carpet for Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Andrew Harris.

BROSSARD, Que. — Montreal Canadiens forward Ryan Poehling is out indefinitely with a concussion. Poehling is believed to have been hurt after taking a hit from the Florida Panthers' Dryden Hunt on Wednesday during a pre-season game in Bathurst, N.B.

The stakes are high Saturday for Toronto FC's first-ever visit to Banc of California Stadium to play league-leading Los Angeles FC. A win and Toronto FC (12-10-9) clinches a playoff berth.

TAMPA, Fla. — Former New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Dan Girardi will retire from the NHL after 13 seasons. Girardi appeared in 927 games, finishing with 56 goals and 264 points and a plus-78 ratings.

CHICAGO — The U.S. men's soccer team will play its Nov. 15 home Nations League match against Canada at Orlando, Florida. The Americans open the new competition against Cuba on Oct. 11 at Washington, D.C., then meet Canada four days later in Toronto.

A look at Canada's Pool B rivals at the Rugby World Cup: Italy World Ranking: 14 Record against Canada: 7-2-0 Skinny: Canada came close to upsetting the Azzurri at the 2015 World Cup, losing 23-18 despite dominating possession.