2011 finalist: Christine Sinclair

Canadians have been talking about his talent for years; now, the rest of the world is, too.

Scrivens' state of mind

As far as the Leafs goaltending situation goes, Ben Scrivens isn't worried and is focusing on the task at hand: The Calder Cup.

The night they were best

Although TFC may be 'the worst team in the world' due to their 0-9 MLS record, in Canada it is a completely different story.

Kobe's big challenge

Kobe Bryant needs to learn to better utilize his teammates if he plans on winning another championship and extending his legacy in L.A.

Blue Jays' Romero trying to fix mechanics

Sportsnet.ca's Michael Grange went one-on-one with Blue Jays ace Ricky Romero who admitted he is wrestling with control problems.

Future up in the air

The Blue Jays couldn't take any more of Adam Lind's struggles, who will need to regain his confidence and swing to stay in the team's plans.

Extra motivation for Marlies

Playing in the shadow of the Maple Leafs gives the Toronto Marlies extra motivation to succeed as individuals and as a team.

Problems keep mounting

With the Jays back in their familiar fourth place rut, they now seem poised to lose their best player, Brett Lawrie, due to over-exuberance.

Not for love or money

Dale Hunter chose being with family and coaching his London Knights team over staying on as head coach of the Washington Capitals.

The Tortorella way

Although John Tortorella often shows his angry side in the media, his players respond to his coaching style and enjoy playing for him.

Can Nash save Canadian ball?

Basketball may have been invented by a Canadian, but as far as Canadians playing the game, it was perfected by Steve Nash.

Grange on Coyotes: Bettman's bill of goods

The latest Coyotes ownership arrangement is destined to fail, especially in a city that would be better off without the financial burden.

A tragic loss

The death of Junior Seau, a once relentless gridiron warrior, was a shock because he was one of those guys who lived for the game.

Grange on MLB: Darvish at home in MLB

The true measure of Yu Darvish's success as a major league pitcher will be when he's recognized for what he does instead of where he's from.

Darvish just warming up

If Yu Darvish ends up the biggest thing out of Japan since Godzilla, then the Seattle Mariners' Brendan Ryan will bear some responsibility.

Another year for Alfie?

The pain of losing Game 7 will hurt a lot more for the Senators if it turns out to be captain Daniel Alfredsson's final game.

Now or never at MSG

The prevailing sentiment for both the Ottawa Senators and New York Rangers heading into Game 7 is that, for one team, there's no tomorrow.

Grange on Sens: Playing with house money

The Ottawa Senators enter Game 7 in New York with the luxury of having already surpassed any reasonable expectations for their season.

Grange on Alfredsson: A frustrating night

"I had pretty good control of everything until I got hit and then I just lost it," said Daniel Alfredsson of his outburst in Game 6.

A squandered opportunity

Just as the Senators had the Rangers on the brink of elimination, they now have to climb that same hill on Broadway.

Alfredsson: 'I'm playing'

Daniel Alfredsson skated on his own in Ottawa Saturday, practiced with the team Sunday and will return to action Monday for Game 6.

Spezza's fight for respect

Despite all his personal accomplishments, Ottawa Senators star centre Jason Spezza has always left fans and critics wanting more.

Comfort in Ottawa

Kyle Turris has embraced playing in a hockey hotbed such as Ottawa and after his Game 4 winner, the feeling is mutual with Senators fans.

The Last of Alfredsson?

Daniel Alfredsson is out for Game 4 against the Rangers, and you have to wonder if the captain has played his last game in Ottawa?

Family matters

Coming from a family of 15, Brian Boyle has always had support throughout an up-and-down career, but now has a second family in New York.

Finer points of playoff hockey

Following a violent weekend of playoff hockey, the Senators and Rangers put on display the finer points of hockey in Game 3 Monday night.

Rowdy, rough and riotous

It was a wild weekend of hockey that included a dramatic increase in fighting majors and acts of violence resembling the NHL 30 years ago.

Engaging the reptile brain

Ottawa Senators coach Paul MacLean sent a clear message by inserting Matt Carkner and Zenon Konopka into the lineup for Game 2.

Karlsson needs to step up

Erik Karlsson needs to drastically improve his play in Game 2 if the Ottawa Senators want to get back in the best-of-seven series.

Making the most of Alfie

Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson could be playing on a line with Spezza and Michalek in order to generate more offence in Game 2.

Lundqvist in the limelight

With heavy weight on his shoulders, Henrik Lundqvist kept the Rangers in Game 1 when they needed it most against the Senators.

Forget the regular season

Regardless of where the NY Rangers & Ottawa Senators finished in the standings, both teams realize they start from zero in the post-season.

Similar road for Tortorella

New York Rangers coach John Tortorella is calm heading into Round 1 and it could be because he's seen this story before with the Lightning.

Burke slowly losing power

Like a tired politician, 'Prime Minister' Burke seems to be losing his grip on the vast and sometimes backwards republic of Leafs Nation.

Blue Jays fans will forgive

Monday's Home Opener wasn't pretty, but Toronto Blue Jays fans will likely be in a forgiving mood. What other choice do they have?

Darvish the real deal

It seemed so risky, laying a bulging suitcase of cash at the feet of a pitcher from the other side of the world.

Playing with house money

Joey Votto's reported contract extension with the Reds is further proof that Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has spent wisely on his club.

Grange on Heat: Hate turning to respect

A year ago the Miami Heat were the Miami Hate but in time, the basketball public may slowly be coming around to respecting the team.

History hurts Habs, Leafs

History and tradition haunt franchises like the Canadiens and Maple Leafs, as they often mine the past but can't invest in the future.

A reminder from Tiger

Despite all of the setbacks that have fallen upon Tiger Woods in the past two years, he soldiers on -- a stronger person and golfer.

The life of Lin

It's been quite the journey for Jeremy Lin over the last two months, but the youngster knows there is still room for his game to grow.

SN Magazine: Nash in no hurry to win

The sun seems to have set on Steve Nash's desert dream, so why hasn't the legend left for a run at a ring?

Hard-hitting sentence

The heavy punishment handed out to the New Orleans Saints by the NFL on Wednesday could be traced back to an Illinois courtroom.

Tough to tolerate

If Brian Burke was worrying a 'Fire Burke' chant would ring down from the rafters at the ACC Tuesday night, he got something much worse.

The new Mile High Messiah

Tim Tebow may have been a marketing dream for the Denver Broncos last year, but expectations are now mile high with Peyton Manning in town.

A pragmatic approach

Toronto Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo only made one deal at the trade deadline, but it could pay dividends down the road.

Melo, Nash & the Raptors

Examining how a disgruntled Carmelo Anthony in New York and a free-agent-to-be in Steve Nash could play a part in the Raptors' future.

Five acts of futility

Poor drafting, short-sighted trades, moves never made and a little bad luck have stunted the Toronto Raptors' growth over the years.

The trade that never was

According to John Shannon, former GM Glen Grunwald once said 'no' to a trade that would've sent Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash to Toronto.

Drawing the line on justice

Since the NHL's infamous Todd Bertuzzi-Steve Moore incident in '04, the hockey world has evolved in how it views acts of on-ice retribution.

The Grabovski gamble

Despite all the qualities Mikhail Grabovski brings to the table, Brian Burke's latest move once again neglects the future for the present.

Still searching for blueprint

With a wealth of talent & players like Ontario-born Dougie Hamilton in its system, the Bruins have become what the Leafs envision.

Beware salvaged seasons

With the Maple Leafs and Raptors on the outside of the playoff picture, it's best both teams accept their fate and build for the future.

A crack in Burke's image

The firing of Ron Wilson as Maple Leafs head coach begs one question: What exactly is Brian Burke doing?

Unmet expectations

Despite different paths, the Leafs and Raptors are in their own ways struggling to meet expectations.

Cracking under the pressure

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been heavily dependent on their team psychologist during this current playoff-jeopardizing dip in play.

Deadline dud

With the NHL trade deadline come and gone and the Leafs steering away from any major moves, who should the fans blame?

Watch and wonder

The buzz and excitement surrounding Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish has left the Blue Jays and their fans wondering what could have been.

The power of Lin

Jeremy Lin's fairy tale story has captured the public's imagination and has given people everywhere something to believe in.

Why was Lin overlooked?

Knicks guard Jeremy Lin has emerged as the biggest story in basketball, but it took a moment of desperation for him to finally get his shot.

Pressure on Pospisil

When Canada needed to keep their Davis Cup hopes alive it was Vasek Pospisil who played the hero and he may need to be the saviour again.

Grange on NBA: Power of the point guard

The Toronto Raptors picked DeMar DeRozan with its first-round pick in 2009, but could have ended up with an elite point guard.

Grange on Oilers-Leafs: Different approaches

The Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs are taking different paths to building a Cup contender. Which method will bring more success?

A good goalie problem to have

The Leafs' method of deciding who starts between Reimer and Gustavsson becomes an issue when both are playing well for the Leafs.

Malkin, Eli deserve their due

It's natural to obsess over the futures of Sidney Crosby and Peyton Manning, but we do so at the expense of ignoring present greatness.

Bargnani not a kid anymore

Andrea Bargnani's maturity as a player on the court for the Raptors can be very much attributed to his growth as a person off it.

Message in a bottle

Jose Bautista is Dominican and hits a lot of homeruns. That means he may already have two strikes on him when it comes to steroid testing.

Willing to pay is the AL way

The Tigers signing Prince Fielder on Tuesday is the latest splash made by an AL team this off-season, a blueprint the Blue Jays can follow.

Willing to pay is the AL way

The Tigers signing Prince Fielder on Tuesday is the latest splash made by an AL team this off-season, a blueprint the Blue Jays can follow.

Unsportsmanlike conduct

Whatever his beliefs, Tim Thomas was wrong to turn tradition into an unnecessary political statement by rejecting a White House invitation.

A rivalry in history

In a league far removed from true dynasties, it's hard not to be cynical over the current Leafs-Habs rivalry that seems more about money.

Best in life

Sarah Burke knew the inherent risks of her profession, but a zest for performing and doing what she loved came first.

Phaneuf the Faker?

Nick Foligno accused Dion Phaneuf of faking an injuring during Tuesday night's Battle of Ontario, perhaps sparking the provincial rivalry.

Ovechkin's mid-career crisis

Several athletes have attempted other artistic projects during their careers, but what does Ovechkin's Russian music video mean for #8?

Franklin's urge to protect

Orlando Franklin always feels the need to protect his own, whether it's his QB Tim Tebow or his younger brother who died last October.

Grange on Raptors: Lockout aftermath

The lockout-condensed schedule is starting to take its toll on NBA teams and the product on the floor has not been rewarding.

Lessons yet unlearned

When asked what had been learned from a tumultuous first half of the season, not one Leaf had the right answer.

Thompson a true Toronto pioneer

Thompson is the first player in the NBA that grew up as a Raptors fan and with a growing talent pool in the GTA, he won't be the last.

Another road to take

The Raptors aren't built to win this year but the once mediocre turned playoff contender Pacers may offer some food for thought.

The business of Yu

Landing Yu Darvish not only would have improved the team's on-field fortunes, but also would have boosted the Blue Jays brand.

Grange on Jays: Darvish bid all on AA

Much of the Yu Darvish saga rests on speculation, and for Alex Anthopoulos his legacy may rest on whether or not he goes all-in on an ace.

A look into the NBA lockout

The league tried to even the playing field, but stars still dictate where they play, begging the question: was the lockout a waste of time?

Face of a new era?

Who will be the poster child for the new wave of players that have begun to seize the NBA spotlight?

An acquired taste

Saturday's fight in Toronto showcased the biggest reasons why UFC is so popular, but also why it's not for everyone.

Feeding the addiction

Consumer-facing brands Rogers and Bell have upped the expectations for two particular consumer necessities: The internet and sports.

Time to bite on Prince

If Prince Fielder isn't the right free agent target at the right time for the Toronto Blue Jays, then who is and when might that be?

Grange on NBA: Casey's contribution

The Toronto Raptors might not be a playoff team this season, but they have a base of talent worth building on. Fans can find hope in that.

Not quite there yet

Despite a strong effort against the Bruins on Wednesday, the Leafs came up short -- again -- against the Eastern Conference heavyweight.

A different approach

Leafs general manager Brian Burke has built the Leafs back up to respectability, just not the way everyone expected him to.

Be Last Fast

The Raptors have a chance to quickly change their fortunes, but will the fans embrace the approach?

Grange on MLSE: Money matters

For now, the Teachers' have removed the 'For Sale' sign from their MLSE shares, but that doesn't mean a deal can't be had.

A night to remember

Sidney Crosby's storybook return to the NHL is a performance fans will be talking about for years.

His father's eyes

Monday marks the day Crosby returns after an 11-month absence from the NHL and no one is more excited than his dad Troy.

Gretzky not the ideal choice

As much as we'd like to see Wayne Gretzky run the Maple Leafs, it may not be what the team needs.

Occupy ACC

Reports of a US-based firm interested in buying MLSE hit St. James Park, giving Occupy Toronto protestors more to think about.

NBA players are underpaid

Why LeBron James (and every other superstar) isn't making as much money as he should. Seriously.

Penn State of mind

The Kid passes another test

Slowly but surely Sidney Crosby is testing his body as he makes his return from his 10-month concussion layoff.

Patience is a virtue

Sidney Crosby isn't the only one in Pittsburgh displaying patience concerning his delayed return to the lineup.

Grange on Crosby: Tentative approach

Explaining the Crosby conundrum and how players could limit their aggressiveness when he returns.

Eye opener

Magic both stunned and educated the sports world 20 years ago with the announcement he had HIV.

The not-so-friendly giant

The Big Autobiographist is back for Round 2 and he's not afraid to take shots at anyone or everyone.

Pocket aces

Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf have played like elite players to start the season. But is that enough for the Leafs?

A veteran's advice

As a victim of the 2004 NHL lockout, Bill Guerin's advice to the NBA players is to cut their losses.

Five heads are better than one

Despite the lockout, MLSE should be applauded for their willingness to add talent to the Raptors front office team.

Hands off!

The Blue Jays brass delivered an important message to their opponents and their fans on Tuesday.

No more Mr. Nice Guy

When it comes to John Farrell’s future, Alex Anthopoulos needs to learn nice won’t win you the American League East.

This flight is delayed

Tristan Thompson, Canada's best NBA prospect in years, is back at college preparing for his new life to begin.

Grange on Komisarek: Reconstruction project

Mike Komisarek’s confidence appears to be back and is on the right path to his rebuilding his image in Toronto.

Top shelf idea

Can a hockey puck lift a nation out of war-torn poverty? A Canadian company sure hopes so.

Playing from behind

The NBA lockout is looking more and more like a blowout game that the players can't win.

Emotional opener for Lombardi

Matthew Lombardi scored his first regular season goal in nearly a year as the Leafs won their opener 2-0 vs. the Canadiens Thursday night.

Another T.O. kid who got away

Toronto-born hockey stars like Habs forward Michael Cammalleri have been pretty rare for the Leafs.

It's a dogfight

Burke principles no hindrance

If signing Stamkos, Doughty or Richards means compromising principles then Brian Burke is not interested.

Prepare for pain

With winning comes the agonizing pain of possibly watching it all come crashing down.

Big deal stuck in neutral

With a willing seller, huge profits and plenty of prestige, why hasn't MLSE been sold yet?

Playing the lottery

Only a select few could have predicted the recent success in Buffalo.

Acting alone

One man’s actions should not hinder minorities in their decision to play hockey.

Cool drink of water?

One long day

Same old story

Until our players truly want to play for Canada, the basketball program will continue to suffer.

No easy answers

Blood brothers

Maddon and Anthopoulos held the first meeting of their Mutual Admiration Society over the weekend.

Not just a role model

Grange on MLB: Henke remembers Flanagan

As the tributes pour in, Tom Henke remembers his friend Mike Flanagan as the ultimate teammate.

The Honeymooners

How will ‘Hump’ handle the mighty bright spotlight that comes with marrying a Kardashian?

Small but effective

Business as usual

The University of Miami scandal is glaring proof of what’s wrong in major U.S. college sports.

Grange on Crosby: Mind of his own

The Penguins appear to have accepted that predicting Crosby's return date is simply impossible.

Internal flame

Novak Djokovic's passion and work ethic suggest his dominant run may have only just begun.

Youthful exuberance

Brett Lawrie’s dugout celebration was a representation of exactly what the Blue Jays hope to be.

Youth is served

Spotlight stumble

The ties that bind

Paul Beeston's enduring loyalty to Robbie Alomar is no surprise to those that know him.

Boost from the juice

On top to Top 12

Final destination

The lesson for NBA players Monday was this: You are going to pay and how much is up to you.

Finding the recipe

After letting go Steve Williams, will Tiger Woods be able to resdicover his magic on the PGA Tour?

McQuillan back on the radar

Matt McQuillan has rediscovered his form and is proving he belongs on the PGA Tour.

Instilling culture

Clarke the unlikely champion

Fan favourite Darren Clarke surprises many to capture his first major.

Grange: Major storylines

A quick look at the major storylines heading into the British Open which kicks off Thursday at Royal St. George's in Sandwich, England.

Deals and steals

There are deals and there's the return the Blue Jays are getting on the Jose Bautista contract.

There is no next

Big Yao Ming left a giant global footprint on the world of basketball in a short timespan.

Grange on MLSE: One final task for Peddie

They're out there

A happy homecoming

Time served

Right pick, wrong town

The cosmopolitan city of Toronto is wrong in not welcoming another European to town.

Closing the circle

If history serves right, Casey needs every inch of his talent to come through in Toronto.

Major McIlroy