National Sports

TORONTO — It was a post-championship season unlike anything Nick Nurse could have predicted. A No. 2 record in the league despite a slew of injuries and no Kawhi Leonard. An unprecedented four-month layoff due to COVID-19.

When a southwestern Ontario public health unit declared a COVID-19 community outbreak this weekend after five students in the area tested positive, some on social media scoffed at the seemingly low number.

MAMARONECK, N.Y. — An all-Canadian threesome will play the first two rounds of the U.S. Open together. Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., and Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., will tee off at the major at 8:49 a.m.

EDMONTON — Peter DeBoer didn't prepare a speech to give his Vegas Golden Knights in the event they lost Game 5 of the Western Conference final to end their run in the NHL bubble, because he didn't think they'd lose.

TORONTO — Jeff Clarkson wasn't a runner when COVID-19 shut down recreation and fitness facilities in March. The 36-year-old was refereeing a Tier 2 junior hockey game when he received an email in the second intermission.

No one can say the crowds influenced the officials.

Monday's Games NHL Western Conference Final Dallas 3 Vegas 2 (OT) (Stars win series 4-1) --- NFL Week 1 Pittsburgh 26 N.Y.

EDMONTON — Jamie Benn and Dallas enjoyed the moment so much that the relative silence was pretty much an afterthought. The Stars are going to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 20 years.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Always a wine connoisseur, CJ McCollum is now a wine maker, too. The Portland Trail Blazers guard has a signature wine coming out Tuesday, and apropos of Oregon, it's a pinot noir.

CALGARY — Geoff Ward made his NHL head coaching debut, finished his first season and will start his second all in unusual circumstances. The 58-year-old from Waterloo, Ont.