National Sports

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka moved one win away from becoming the first woman since 1999 to win three consecutive Australian Open titles, recovering from a slow start to beat good friend Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-2 Thursday night to return t

Wednesday's Scoreboard NHL Columbus 5 Toronto 1 Winnipeg 3 Colorado 2, OT New Jersey 5 Boston 1 Los Angeles 2 Florida 1 --- PWHL Boston 4 Toronto 1 --- AHL Laval 3 Hershey 2, OT Toronto 3 Bakersfield 1 Utica 7 Bridgeport 1 Chicago 6 Cleveland 5, OT C

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Dawson Mercer scored twice during New Jersey’s four-goal second period, and the Devils beat the Boston Bruins 5-1 on Wednesday night.

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Brady Turko scored twice, helping his Brandon Wheat Kings to a decisive 6-3 victory over the Kamloops Blazers in Western Hockey League action Wednesday.

DENVER (AP) — Neal Pionk scored 17 seconds into overtime, and the Winnipeg Jets beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 on Wednesday night.

TORONTO — Adam Fantilli registered his first career hat trick and Elvis Merzlikins made 28 saves as the Columbus Blue Jackets thumped the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-1 on Wednesday.

TORONTO — Adam Fantilli joked he was paying to play Wednesday. With a convey of supporters heading south to Scotiabank Arena from nearby Nobleton, Ont.

DENVER (AP) — Linesman Jonny Murray left in the third period after briefly returning following a second-period collision in the Avalanche game against Winnipeg on Wednesday night.

LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — Alina Müller and Emily Brown each scored their first goal of the season in the first period, and Aerin Frankel stopped 35 shots to help the Boston Fleet beat the Toronto Sceptres 4-1 on Wednesday night.

BRANTFORD, Ont. — The Brantford Bulldogs extended their win streak in decisive fashion Wednesday, routing the Niagara IceDogs 6-2 in Ontario Hockey League play.