National Sports

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off their first-round NHL playoff series against Tampa Bay with a bang on Monday night with a 5-0 victory over the Lightning.

EDMONTON — A late mistake proved costly as the Edmonton Oilers began their playoff run on Monday. Now the team is looking to learn from its errors. “Playoffs are a long journey.

Monday's Scoreboard NHL Playoffs First Round (Best-of-7) Carolina 5, Boston 1 (Carolina leads series 1-0) Toronto 5, Tampa Bay 0 (Toronto leads series 1-0) St. Louis 4, Minnesota 0 (St.

TORONTO — Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe predicted a "borderline violent" playoff series against a battle-tested opponent. That was the case both early and late Monday.

LANGLEY, B.C. — The Vancouver Giants have advanced to the next round of the Western Hockey League playoffs.

TORONTO — Midway through Tampa Bay's post-game media availability on Monday, a couple of team staffers replaced the black cushioned chair at the front of the room for a different seat. It was the first time the Lightning were comfortable all night.

TORONTO — The Blue Jays are used to close calls this season, with their nine one-run victories the most in the majors.

BARRIE, Ont. — The Mississauga Steelheads are on to the next round of the Ontario Hockey League's playoffs.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A former University of Virginia lacrosse player is liable for fatally beating his girlfriend in 2010 and must pay $15 million in damages in a wrongful death lawsuit , a jury found Monday.

Tyrell Richards is precariously close to realizing his childhood dream. Richards, of Brampton, Ont., fondly remembers a pro football career being on his radar as early as Grade 3.