National Sports

TORONTO — Rugby league authorities called it an "informal, introductory chat" and discussions "with an interested party." For the Toronto Wolfpack, it was hopefully the first step back to Super League with a new owner and business plan.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Lawyers for a law enforcement officer accuse Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri of making race a key part of his counterclaim to a lawsuit in the aftermath of an altercation at last year's NBA Finals.

MONTREAL — Peter Smith has stepped down as head coach of McGill's women's hockey team after guiding the squad to four national university championships.

TORONTO — The Philadelphia Flyers and their big boy pants are sticking around the Toronto bubble for at least one more game.

EDMONTON — Vancouver goalie Thatcher Demko sat on the bench for a month, waiting 14 games for his first ever start in the NHL playoffs. On Tuesday he got it, and made the most of it.

Tuesday's Games NHL Eastern Conference Semifinal at Toronto Philadelphia 4 N.Y.

TORONTO — The team with the best record in MLS shot itself in the foot Tuesday night.

NEW YORK — It was a first-round sweep for Canadians at the U.S. Open.

MIAMI — Starling Marte celebrated his Miami debut with a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning, helping the Marlins top the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 on Tuesday night.

LAKE BUENA VISA, Fla. — The Toronto Raptors had packed with a plan of being in Florida for four months. They're now just two losses away from leaving the NBA bubble.