National Sports

MONTREAL — A whole bunch of Montreal Canadiens forwards got the monkey off their backs Monday night, but Josh Anderson probably felt the most relief of all — even if he didn't beat a goalie to score.

Winnipeg goaltender Laurent Brossoit simply stoned the opposing firepower.

VANCOUVER — Christine Sinclair's parting words in the huddle that followed her final Canada practice were "Go and get me a World Cup." Competitive right to the end. The World Cup is one prize that eluded Sinclair.

UTICA, N.Y. — Blayre Turnbull scored the game's first three goals as Toronto beat Boston 5-3 on Monday to open the Professional Women's Hockey League's pre-season scrimmages. Sarah Nurse and Maggie Connors also scored for Toronto.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed star defensive lineman Willie Jefferson to a one-year contract extension, the team announced on Monday. Jefferson, 32, was set to become a free agent in February.

VANCOUVER — Some quotes about Canada captain Christine Sinclair, who calls time on her international soccer career on Tuesday with one final outing against Australia at Vancouver's B.C. Place Stadium: "She's irreplaceable.

VANCOUVER — Appointed head coach of the Canadian women's soccer team in October 1999, Even Pellerud recalls essentially being handed a blank piece of paper. "It was a baby program. It was really nothing to inherit," he said.

TORONTO — A rare weekend off gave Pascal Siakam time to rest, recharge, and reflect on the first quarter of the NBA season. His conclusion? The Toronto Raptors must become more consistent.

MONT-TREMBLANT, Que. — Alpine Canada president and chief executive officer Thérèse Brisson gives Mont-Tremblant’s first World Cup event in 40 years a "10-on-10" rating — and hopes it’s here to stay.

NEW YORK — Arizona goaltender Connor Ingram, New York Islanders centre Mathew Barzal and New Jersey centre Jack Hughes are the NHL's three stars of the week. Ingram went 3-0-0 with a 1.63 goals-against average and .