adplus-dvertising
Connect with us

Sports

The Tampa Bay Raptors could soon become reality – CBC.ca

Published

 on


This is an excerpt from The Buzzer, which is CBC Sports’ daily email newsletter. Stay up to speed on what’s happening in sports by subscribing here.

Here’s what you need to know right now from the world of sports:

The NBA is coming, but where will the Raptors play?

With the NBA calendar all set for the upcoming season, the basketball news cycle promises to be nonstop right up until the first games on Dec. 22. Consider: just next week, the transaction moratorium is lifted Monday, the draft takes place Wednesday and free agency kicks off on Friday.

Already, some interesting tidbits have trickled out:

The Raptors want to play in Toronto. Obviously. But Masai Ujiri made the case for it to happen on CBC’s The Current today, saying that remaining in Toronto is the team’s No. 1 goal. Ujiri cited the NBA’s history of pandemic responsibility: it was the first major business to shut down in March and it recorded no positive cases over three months in the Disney bubble. Back in June, the Blue Jays trained in Toronto as a “cohort quarantine” — they stayed between their hotel and the stadium for three weeks and didn’t record a single case. But that experiment wasn’t enough for the federal government to grant the team an exception to its 14-day mandatory quarantine period for people entering the country.

Sportsnet’s Michael Grange reported today that the Raptors’ proposal to Ottawa was nearly identical to the Blue Jays’. One difference for the Raptors could be Ujiri’s close relationship with Justin Trudeau, but with Ontario reporting a record 1,575 daily new cases and numbers rising throughout the U.S., it seems unlikely the exception would be granted.

So where will the Raptors end up? Ujiri mentioned Tampa Bay, Nashville, Louisville, Kansas City, Buffalo, Newark and Fort Lauderdale as options for the team, while Sportsnet reported Tampa is the favourite. Fred VanVleet said on Pelicans guard JJ Redick’s podcast that if he re-signs with Toronto, Tampa is his preferred destination among the options presented to the team. Watch a clip from Ujiri’s radio appearance below, and listen to the full segment here.

VanVleet wants to get paid. Again, obviously. The 26-year-old guard is an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career as he theoretically enters his prime. His career earnings, per Spotrac, are just over $19 million US — that number’s nothing to sneeze at, but also represents a decent estimate of what he should make per year on his next contract.

The four-year Raptor told Redick he changed his game to make the two-guard setup work with Kyle Lowry, but that he was a lead guard his entire career and wouldn’t mind proving that’s still true in the pros. He said winning and location are important factors too, and he doesn’t own a home in Toronto — in fact, he was renting and had his stuff moved out over the summer.

Most importantly, though, VanVleet said he’s looking to get paid. “I’m not shy about that,” he told Redick. “I won a championship and now it’s time to cash out.” You can listen to VanVleet on Redick’s ‘Old Man and the Three’ podcast here.

NBA players want to go to the Olympics. In a press conference Wednesday, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said the NBA’s Dec. 22 start would allow players to play in Tokyo, adding that this setup was what the players and Olympic movement both wanted. Canada, though, hasn’t yet qualified, leaving itself to a last-chance tournament in Victoria beginning June 29 — what could be the middle of the playoffs. Read more about Canada’s outlook here.

Russell Westbrook wants out of Houston. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported the former OKC star is requesting a trade after just one year with the Rockets. The team recently lost its highly touted GM-coach duo in Daryl Morey, now running the 76ers, and Mike D’Antoni, now an assistant on Steve Nash’s bench in Brooklyn. A pair of other star guards also could be on the move: Indiana’s Victor Oladipo apparently wants out, while the Lakers are rumoured to be interested in trading for former Raptor DeMar DeRozan.

Starting Monday, we might start getting some real moves, real quick. Get ready.

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri joined CBC’s The Current where he discussed the reasons why the NBA could safely return to play in Toronto next season. 2:17

Quickly…

Tiger’s Masters title defence is off to a good start. After a three-hour weather delay, players finally got off the tee to surprisingly easy conditions at Augusta National, where rain had the greens playing slower than usual. Woods took advantage with one of his best opening Masters rounds, a 4-under 68. Bryson DeChambeau, the betting favourite, endured a rough start to his day, including a double-bogey, but recovered for a 2-under 70. England’s Paul Casey was the leader as of our publish time at 7-under, with players still on the course as of our publish time. Mike Weir, the 2003 Masters champ who’s seen some recent success on the Champions Tour, was the top Canadian at 2-under. Because of the late start, the first round may not be done before dark and would continue tomorrow. Read more about Thursday at the Masters here.

Felix Auger-Aliassime’s season came crashing down. How it started: Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov make history as the first Canadians to claim the top two seeds of an ATP tournament at the Sofia Open, each earning first-round byes in the process. How it’s going: Shapovalov lost his first match on Tuesday before Auger-Aliassime was upset in his first match on Wednesday. Neither won a single set during the season-ending Sofia Open. Canada’s Vasek Pospisil, on the other hand, beat sixth seed John Millman to reach the semifinals today. Watch highlights from Auger-Aliassime’s loss here.

The NHL’s all-Canadian division idea is gaining steam. Commissioner Gary Bettman indicated this week it’s on the table as the pandemic worsens and Canadian border restrictions remain intact. Instead of moving all seven teams south of the border like the Blue Jays and all three Canadian MLS teams, the NHL may opt to realign regionally, with every Canadian team in one division. Bettman also said the season may be shorter than 82 games and take place in temporary hubs. Players on Canadian teams, meanwhile, seem open to realignment. Read more about their reaction here.

Megan Rapinoe is available in the NWSL expansion draft, but likely won’t be selected. Racing Louisville FC will fill out its roster tonight, with Rapinoe and fellow American Tobin Heath the two biggest names left unprotected. However, they’re available for good reason: Rapinoe sat out the 2020 season, and likely wouldn’t be inclined to move away from her OL Reign home in Tacoma, Wa., near fiancee Sue Bird who plays for the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. Heath is currently on loan to Manchester United. Two Team Canada stalwarts — Stephanie Labbe and Desiree Scott — are also available for Louisville. Read more about tonight’s draft in this piece by CBC Sports’ Signa Butler.

Canadian artist The Weeknd was tabbed for the Super Bowl halftime show. The popular R&B singer will become just the second Canadian to appear on the stage, following Shania Twain in 2003. The Super Bowl is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2021 at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium. Maybe he’ll be able to catch a Raptors game while he’s there. Read more about the choice here.

Tiger is eyeing his sixth Masters title after a strong opening round on Thursday. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

And finally…

Leta Powell Drake is a boss. The interviewer, now 82, was apparently never afraid to hold back. And for good reason: Drake is a licensed pilot, a city champion in golf, bowling and horseshoe and acted in over 100 plays. Tough resume to compete with. Anyway, take two minutes from your day to watch this montage of Drake questions. You won’t be disappointed.

Today on CBC Sports

World Curling Tour: Stu Sells 1824 Halifax Classic. Brad Gushue is the biggest name at the tournament where action began just before our publish time, with another set of matches coming at 7 p.m. ET tonight on CBCSports.ca. On Friday, there’s matches at 8:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Watch all the action here.

You’re up to speed. Get The Buzzer in your inbox every weekday by subscribing below.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

728x90x4

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Washington Capitals 3-2 win ends Dallas Stars’ winning streak

Published

 on

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tom Wilson, Dylan Strome and Taylor Raddysh scored to help the Washington Capitals end the Dallas Stars’ season-opening winning streak at four with a 3-2 victory Thursday night.

Wilson’s goal was his third in three games, Strome his second of the season and Raddysh his first since joining the team in free agency last summer. Charlie Lindgren made 22 saves as the Capitals wrapped up this early homestand with back-to-back wins.

The Stars fell from the ranks of the league’s unbeaten teams despite a short-handed goal by Colin Blackwell and one at even strength from Jason Robertson. Rookie Oskar Bäck set up Blackwell for his first NHL point.

Casey DeSmith was screened on two of the three goals he allowed on 26 shots.

LIGHTNING 4, GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Nikita Kucherov scored the winning goal with less than a minute to play just 1:27 after Brandon Hagel had tied it and Tampa Bay rallied to beat Vegas.

Kucherov’s second goal of the game with 55 seconds left was his sixth of the season.

Janis Moser had a goal and two assists for the Lightning, who remain unbeaten. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 22 saves.

Brayden McNabb, Pavel Dorofeyev and Ivan Barbashev had goals for Vegas. Adin Hill turned aside 21 shots.

Jack Eichel, with two assists on Thursday, now has 10 points this season in five games and reached reached double-digit points faster than any other player in Vegas history. He is the 10th U.S.-born player to accomplish the feat.

After Barbashev put Vegas up 3-2 early in the second, Hagel pulled Tampa Bay even at 3 with 2:22 remaining in the third.

BLUE JACKETS 6, SABRES 4

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Kirill Marchenko and Mathieu Olivier each had a goal and an assist and Daniil Tarasov made 21 saves to help Columbus to a win over Buffalo.

Yegor Chinakhov, Adam Fantilli, Zachary Aston-Reese and Damon Severson also scored for Columbus, and Zach Werenski added two assists.

Ryan McLeod, Owen Power and JJ Peterka scored for Buffalo, and Jiri Kulich added his first NHL goal. Devon Lev stopped 19 shots for the Sabres (1-5-1), who have lost two straight road games and five of their first six overall.

CANUCKS 3, FLORIDA 2, OT

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — J.T. Miller scored 2:09 into overtime and Vancouver got their first win of the season, beating Florida.

Teddy Blueger and Quinn Hughes had goals for Vancouver, with Kevin Lankinen stopping 26 shots.

Anton Lundell got his fourth goal in the last three games for Florida and Jesper Boqvist also scored for the Panthers, who got 30 saves from Sergei Bobrovsky.

Florida remained without forwards Aleksander Barkov (lower body) and Matthew Tkachuk (illness).

DEVILS 3, SENATORS 1

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Jacob Markstrom stopped 30 shots and lost his shutout bid in the final minutes as New Jersey beat Ottawa.

Erik Haula, Nathan Bastian and Paul Cotter scored for the Devils, who won for the third time in four games and improved to 5-2-0.

The Senators, who were coming off an 8-7 overtime victory against Los Angeles on Monday, struggled to beat Markstrom.

Brady Tkachuk was the only scorer for the Senators, beating Markstrom, with a power-play goal with 65 seconds remaining in the third period.

Anton Forsberg, making his second straight start and hoping to rebound after getting pulled Monday, made 32 saves in the loss.

Haula opened the scoring early in the second period and Bastian added a short-handed goal, giving New Jersey a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes. Cotter scored midway through the third.

RANGERS 5, RED WING 2

DETROIT (AP) — Artemi Panarin had his eighth career hat trick and New York rolled to a victory over Detroit.

Panarin became the first Rangers player to have multiple points in the first four games of a season. He scored twice on the power play. Vincent Trocheck also had a power- play goal and assisted on all of Panarin’s goals.

Jonathan Quick made 29 saves in his season debut. Victor Mancini also scored.

The Rangers have won the last five meetings, including twice this week. New York had a 4-1 home victory over Detroit on Monday night.

Moritz Seider and J.T. Compher scored for Detroit. Red Wings goalie Cam Talbot was pulled in the second period after allowing five goals.

KINGS 4, CANADIENS 1

MONTREAL (AP) — David Rittich made 26 saves a night after being benched in the second period in Toronto, helping road-weary Los Angeles snap a three-game losing streak with a victory over Montreal.

Los Angeles improved to 2-1-2 on a season-opening, seven-game trip necessitated by arena renovations.

Rittich rebounded after allowing four goals on 14 shots in a 6-2 loss to the Maple Leafs. Alex Laferriere, Mikey Anderson, Andreas Englund and Adrian Kempe scored.

Justin Barron scored for Montreal (2-3-0). Sam Montembeault stopped 28 shots. He made a save on Kevin Fiala on a penalty shot.

BLUES 1, ISLANDERS 0, OT

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Joel Hofer made 34 saves and assisted on Jake Neighbours’ goal at 2:04 of overtime in St. Louis victory over New York.

Hofer had his second career shutout in his and the team’s second overtime victory of the season.

Philip Broberg carried the puck into the New York zone and made a centering pass to Neighbours for the winner.

Islanders goalie Ilya Sorkin made 29 saves.

Blues defenseman Nick Leddy sat out because of a lower-body injury, the first game he has missed this season. Leddy played in all 82 games last season.

OILERS 4, PREDATORS 2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Brett Kulak scored twice and Connor McDavid added his first goal of the season to lead Edmonton to a victory over reeling Nashville.

Jeff Skinner also scored and Calvin Pickard made 25 saves for the defending Western Conference champion Oilers, who have won consecutive games after beginning the season with a three-game skid.

Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault scored and Juuse Saros made 32 saves for Nashville (0-4).

Forsberg’s goal midway through the first period gave Nashville its first lead of the season. That lasted less than six minutes before Kulak tied it.

Kulak sealed it with an empty-netter in the final minute for the defenseman’s first career two-goal game.

BLACKHAWKS 4, SHARKS 2

CHICAGO (AP) — Tyler Bertuzzi and Nick Foligno each scored a power-play goal, and Chicago beat San Jose.

Taylor Hall and Jason Dickinson also scored for Chicago. Connor Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen each had two assists.

Hall, who missed most of last season because of right knee surgery, put the Blackhawks in front 4:20 into the first period. It was Hall’s first goal since Nov. 5 and No. 267 for his career.

Tyler Toffoli and Fabian Zetterlund scored for San Jose, which trailed 3-0 early in the second. William Eklund and Mikael Granlund had two assists each.

The Sharks dropped to 0-2-2 under Ryan Warsofsky, who was promoted to head coach in June.

Petr Mrazek had 20 saves for Chicago, and Vitek Vanecek made 23 stops for San Jose.

KRAKEN 6, FLYERS 4

SEATTLE (AP) — Eeli Tolvanen, Jordan Eberle, and Shane Wright scored three goals in less than three minutes in the second period and Seattle held off a Philadelphia rally in a victory.

Tolvanen’s goal broke a 2-2 tie at the 14:57 mark. Eberle made it a two-goal game with a goal at 17:44. Eight seconds later, Wright scored to give Seattle a three-goal lead.

Jared McCann tied the game at 2-2 with the first of Seattle’s four second-period goals.

Cam York and Jamie Drysdale scored to pull Philadelphia within 5-4 in the third period, but Oliver Bjorkstrand responded with a goal to push Seattle’s lead to two with just over five minutes left in the game.

Scott Laughton scored twice for the Flyers in the first period, while Brandon Montour scored one in for the Kraken.

Chandler Stephenson had an assist in his 500th NHL game. Seattle’s Philipp Grubauer had 21 saves.

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Canada’s Dabrowski, New Zealand’s Routliffe out of Japan Women’s Open after walkover

Published

 on

 

OSAKA, Japan – Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski and New Zealand’s Erin Routliffe are out of the Japan Women’s Open tennis tournament.

Spain’s Cristina Bucsa and Romania’s Monica Niculescu advanced to the final on Thursday by way of walkover.

The fourth seeds were supposed to play the top-seeded Dabrowski and Routliffe in the semifinals.

Bucsa and Niculescu will next face third-seeded Ena Shibahara of Japan and Laura Siegemund of Germany in the final.

Dabrowski and Routliffe defeated Japan’s Shuko Aoyama and Eri Hozumi in the quarterfinals 6-2, 6-4 on Wednesday to advance.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Mountain West commissioner says she’s heartbroken over turmoil surrounding San Jose State volleyball

Published

 on

 

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Mountain West Conference Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said Thursday the forfeitures that volleyball teams are willing to take to avoid playing San Jose State is “not what we celebrate in college athletics” and that she is heartbroken over what has transpired this season surrounding the Spartans and their opponents.

Four teams have canceled games against San Jose State: Boise State, Southern Utah, Utah State and Wyoming, with none of the schools explicitly saying why they were forfeiting.

A group of Nevada players issued a statement saying they will not take the floor when the Wolf Pack are scheduled to host the Spartans on Oct. 26. They cited their “right to safety and fair competition,” though their school reaffirmed Thursday that the match is still planned and that state law bars forfeiture “for reasons related to gender identity or expression.”

All those schools, except Southern Utah, are in the Mountain West. New Mexico, also in the MWC, went ahead with its home match on Thursday night, which was won by the Spartans, 3-1, the team’s first victory since Sept. 24.

“It breaks my heart because they’re human beings, young people, student-athletes on both sides of this issue that are getting a lot of national negative attention,” Nevarez said in an interview with The Associated Press at Mountain West basketball media days. “It just doesn’t feel right to me.”

Republican governors of Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming have made public statements in support of the cancellations, citing a need for fairness in women’s sports. Former President Donald Trump, the GOP nominee in this year’s presidential race, this week referenced an unidentified volleyball match when he was asked during a Fox News town hall about transgender athletes in women’s sports.

“I saw the slam, it was a slam. I never saw a ball hit so hard, hit the girl in the head,” Trump replied before he was asked what can be done. “You just ban it. The president bans it. You just don’t let it happen.”

After Trump’s comment, San Diego State issued a statement that said “it has been incorrectly reported that an San Diego State University student-athlete was hit in the face with a volleyball during match play with San Jose State University. The ball bounced off the shoulder of the student-athlete, and the athlete was uninjured and did not miss a play.”

San Jose State has not made any direct comments about the politicians’ “fairness” references, and Nevarez did not go into details.

“I’m learning a lot about the issue,” Nevarez said. “I don’t know a lot of the language yet or the science or the understanding nationally of how this issue plays out. The external influences are so far on either side. We have an election year. It’s political, so, yeah, it feels like a no-win based on all the external pressure.”

The cancellations could mean some teams will not qualify for the conference tournament Nov. 27-30 in Las Vegas, where the top six schools are slated to compete for the league championship.

“The student-athlete (in question) meets the eligibility standard, so if a team does not play them, it’s a forfeit, meaning they take a loss,” Nevarez said.

Ahead of the Oct. 26 match in Reno. Nevada released a statement acknowledging that “a majority of the Wolf Pack women’s volleyball team” had decided to forfeit against San Jose State. The school said only the university can take that step but any player who decides not to play would face no punishment.

___

AP college sports:

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending