National Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets drew their most average viewers on SNY since 2008 as the team returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Toronto FC holds no love for CF Montreal. But it can do its biggest rival a huge solid Sunday as MLS wraps up the regular season. Toronto (9-17-7, 34 points) was eliminated from playoff contention on Sept. 17 in a 4-0 loss at Orlando City SC.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps know onlookers have counted them out for weeks. Losses to Nashville and San Jose and Colorado appeared to snuff out the club's playoff hopes last month.

Toronto FC II's run in the MLS Next Pro playoffs ended last weekend in a wild 4-3 extra-time loss to Columbus Crew 2. But there will still be plenty of Canadian — and ex-TFC — content on display Saturday when the Columbus reserve side takes on St.

TORONTO — The focus remains squarely upon the B.C. Lions but quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson and the Toronto Argonauts are fully aware of what lies ahead. Toronto (8-6) hosts B.C. (10-4) on Saturday night at BMO Field.

Auston Matthews saw it as only a matter of time. The NHL's Atlantic Division has largely included two distinct classes — to varying degrees — over the last number of years.

TOKYO — Canadian Denis Shapovalov remains perfect at the Japan Open. The seventh-seeded Canadian advanced to the seminals with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Croatia's Borna Coric on Friday. "I think I played great today," said Shapovalov.

Tyson Beukeboom, Elissa Alarie and Karen Paquin kick off their third Rugby World Cup on Saturday when third-ranked Canada takes on No. 13 Japan in Pool B play at Northland Events Centre in Whangarei, New Zealand.

The Toronto Blue Jays will face the Seattle Mariners in the American League Wild-Card Series starting Friday.

A new NHL season brings hope and excitement to teams and fans alike. Potential stars of the future are part of that. The Canadian Press takes a look at six rookies to watch in 2022-23.