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MONTREAL — After starting the season on long-term injured reserve and missing the first month of action, Mike Smith wanted to make sure he was well prepared when he finally returned to the Edmonton Oilers crease.

WINNIPEG — Connor Hellebuyck led the Winnipeg Jets to yet another win this season over the Ottawa Senators. Hellebuyck stopped 41 shots -- 18 in a scoreless first period -- to anchor Winnipeg's 5-1 victory over Ottawa on Thursday night.

BOSTON — During a stretch of the third quarter on Thursday, the Toronto Raptors stopped the Boston Celtics on 17 of their 18 trips down the floor. But the Raptors could only muster four points themselves during that stretch.

The Raptors may be playing out the rest of the season in Tampa, Fla., but Kyle Lowry says that doesn't change the fact that the team still plays for Toronto and Canada.

The NHL is adding game-day rapid tests for players, team personnel and on-ice officials as part of a series of expanded safety protocols unveiled Thursday in its latest bid to stem potential COVID-19 outbreaks.

TORONTO — Right-hander David Phelps and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a $1.75 million, one-year contract. Phelps, 34, went 2-4 with a 6.53 ERA in 22 relief appearances with Milwaukee and Philadelphia last season.

It turns out Saturday night was all right for fighting between Arizona and St. Louis. Monday night, too. Coyotes and Blues players dropped the gloves in both games, which were the third and fourth consecutive against each other.

MONTREAL — A former gymnastics coach facing assault and sex assault charges received a stay of proceedings Thursday due to major issues with the notes of a police investigator.

TORONTO — Teri Dennis-Davies is looking to make a difference. And the new senior vice-president, equity, diversity and inclusion at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment wants to do it inside and outside the sports and entertainment behemoth.

BOSTON — The Boston Bruins will wait to retire the number of pioneering Black hockey player Willie O’Ree until next year so that they can raise his No. 22 banner to the rafters with fans in the building.