Maple Leafs’ Tavares taken off on stretcher after collision

TORONTO (AP) — Toronto captain John Tavares was removed from the ice on a stretcher and taken to a hospital after a collision early in Game 1 of the Maple Leafs’ 2-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night. Tavares crashed into Montreal’s Ben Chiarot 10:29 into the first period and was hit in the head by Corey Perry’s knee as he fell.  Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe said Tavares was conscious and communicating well and would remain hospitalized overnight to undergo further tests. Toronto newcomer Nick Foligno fought Perry immediately after the faceoff to resume play.