National Sports

VANCOUVER — Elias Pettersson had one thought when he hit the ice before his first NHL game Wednesday — stay upright.

Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell accepted a 40-game suspension Wednesday for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy after a series of allegations made by his ex-wife.

Wednesday's Games NHL Toronto 3 Montreal 2 (OT) Washington 7 Boston 0 Vancouver 5 Calgary 2 San Jose 5 Anaheim 2 --- MLB A.L.

Wednesday's Games NHL Toronto 3 Montreal 2 (OT) Washington 7 Boston 0 Vancouver 5 Calgary 2 San Jose 5 Anaheim 2 --- MLB A.L.

TORONTO — John Tavares let out a big sigh of relief during Wednesday's player introductions. The Toronto Maple Leafs did the same thing after an ugly win.

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson was banned 20 games by the NHL on Wednesday for a blindside hit to the head of an opponent during a preseason game, the latest and most severe punishment in what the league called an "unprecedented" series of su

TORONTO — For 60 minutes Carey Price looked like the Vezina Trophy winner that dominated the NHL and won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2015. Unfortunately for him and the Montreal Canadiens, Wednesday's game went to overtime.

TORONTO — Athletics Canada has banned coach and former Olympic sprinter Desai Williams for life for violating the organization's sexual harassment policy.

GENEVA — Lionel Messi and Neymar put on separate masterclasses in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Mohamed Salah lacked the spark to lift Liverpool.

MONTREAL — Former national ski coach Bertrand Charest is seeking to have his sexual-assault sentence reduced by at least half.