National Sports

NEW YORK — After a sluggish start in their first game out of the Christmas break, the New York Islanders picked up their intensity in the latter part of the second period and then steamrolled the Ottawa Senators in the third.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Tomas Tatar never thought his game was off track, and he showed that for the Canadiens in their first game after the holiday break.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — John Tavares scored two goals, Garret Sparks had 27 saves and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2 on Friday night.

DAVOS, Switzerland — Dante Fabbro scored twice to help power Canada to a 6-2 victory over the Nurnberg Ice Tigers on Friday, capping round-robin play at the Spengler Cup.

FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Stars CEO Jim Lites ripped captain Jamie Benn and fellow high-priced forward Tyler Seguin, telling reporters their play has been "terrible" and saying owner Tom Gaglardi was frustrated as well.

NEW YORK — The NHL has suspended Boston Bruins forward David Backes three games without pay for an illegal hit to the head of New Jersey Devils forward Blake Coleman. The league considered Backes a repeat offender.

With the Canadian Open just over a week away, Team Brad Jacobs is planning to discuss lineup plans over the weekend before unveiling its foursome for the next stop on the Grand Slam of Curling circuit.

VANCOUVER — Team Canada coach Tim Hunter says his team will have to improve their penalty kill and power play if they're going to continue winning at the world junior championship.

TORONTO — The pressure at Gangneung Ice Arena was palpable. The world was watching. But in what was among the most memorable four minutes of the Pyeongchang Olympics, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir delivered the skate of their lives.

HUMBOLDT, Sask. — Nathan Oystrick has stepped down as head coach and general manager of the Humboldt Broncos.