National Sports

Canada has moved up two places to No. 41 in the final FIFA rankings before next month's World Cup.

Whether they're looking for a new contract or trying to emerge from a sophomore slump, every season there are young players who shine across the NHL. Here's a look at seven athletes poised for breakout seasons.

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — It wasn't perfect but head coach Bruce Boudreau saw his Vancouver Canucks take a step in the right direction on Wednesday. After starting the pre-season 0-3-2, the Canucks finally posted a win, downing the Edmonton Oilers 5-4.

BRANDON, Man. — Alexander Suzdalev scored two of three unanswered goals as the Regina Pats defeated the Brandon Wheat Kings 3-1 on Wednesday night. Ben Thornton opened the scoring to put Brandon (1-1-1) up just a few minutes into the first period.

Wednesday's Scoreboard MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL American League Baltimore 5 Toronto 4, first game Oakland 3 L.A. Angels 2 Toronto 5 Baltimore 1, second game Texas 4 N.Y.

BOSTON (AP) — Pascal Siakam and Precious Achiuwa scored 13 points apiece and Toronto used an early burst in overtime to beat Boston 125-119 on Wednesday night. Josh Jackson also had 13 points for the Raptors.

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Boston’s Joe Castiglione, the Mets’ Gary Cohen and former major leaguers Dave Campbell, Steve Stone, Duane Kuiper and Ernie Johnson Sr. are among the 10 finalists for Hall of Fame’s 2023 Ford C.

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. — Coulson Pitre scored the game-winning goal and Zacharie Giroux added one more for insurance as the Flint Firebirds defeated the Soo Greyhounds 5-3 on Wednesday.

WINNIPEG — David Rittich was glad he delivered a shutout for his new Winnipeg Jets team, but any kind of victory would have felt good.

BALTIMORE (AP) — As the Toronto Blue Jays casually celebrated their victory on the field, the fans at Camden Yards weren't quite done with Baltimore's feel-good season.