PLAYOFF NOTABLES

Crosby watch After missing all of Game 6 and half of Game 5 with a suspected concussion, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby returned to practice Saturday, raising hopes that he’ll return to the lineup for Sunday’s deciding game against the Rangers in New York. Coach Mike Sullivan was noncommittal, but confirmed Crosby would travel with the team. The Penguins captain practised on a line with Kasperi Kapanen and Rickard Rakell. Sullivan added that No. 1 goalie Tristan Jarry, who hasn’t played since April 14 because of a lower-body injury, might be available Sunday.

V for victory Toronto’s Carter Verhaeghe, drafted 82nd by the Maple Leafs in 2013, was a breakout star for the Florida Panthers in their opening-round series win over the Washington Capitals. After a solid 55-point regular season, Verhaeghe racked up seven goals and seven assists in six games, including the overtime winner in Friday night’s clincher. The Panthers were the first Eastern Conference team to advance.

Home cooking The Calgary Flames, who will host Sunday’s Game 7 against the Dallas Stars, went 25-9-7 at the Saddledome in the regular season. They will be looking advance to the second round for the first time since 2015, and just the second time in the last 17 seasons. Over the years, the Flames are 6-8 in a Game 7s, the Stars are 5-7.