NHL playoffs: What you need to know for Lightning-Penguins Game 7
Lightning get no relief, Penguins look to break streak
The Stanley Cup playoffs are on. Each day, we'll keep you updated on the important news involving players, starting lineups, injuries and more. Check back throughout the day to stay in the know.
The Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins will fight for the right to take on the San Jose Sharks in the Stanley Cup final when they play the deciding Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final tonight (CBC, CBC Sports app, 8 p.m. ET).
Stamkos active for Game 7
Steven Stamkos is dressed and participated in warm up ahead of Game 7 between the Lightning and the Penguins.
The 26-year-old has not played since March 31 due to blood clots. He registered 64 points in 77 games this season.
Steven Stamkos is centering what would seem like a 2nd line with Ondrej Palat and Ryan Callahan.
—@drosennhlIn the press conference prior to the game, head coach Jon Cooper did not reveal any information regarding his star player.
The 26-year-old pending free agent showed some promise with the use of medication to speed up his recovery following blood clot surgery.
Status unchanged for Bishop
Ben Bishop, who has been out with a lower-body injury since Game 1 of the series, participated in the morning skate as the extra goalie. Andrei Vasilevskiy occupied the starter's net, while Kristers Gudlevskis appeared to be readying himself for backup duty.
Penguins haunted by Game 7s
The Penguins extended their post-season run with a 5-2 Game 6 victory in Tampa Bay. Now they return to the Consol Energy Center, which may not be a good thing.
Home ice has not been friendly in this situation to the Penguins, who have gone 2-7 in Game 7s in Pittsburgh.
However, the team is in fine playoff form thanks in large part to the "HBK line" of Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino and Conn Smythe Trophy-worthy Phil Kessel, who leads the team with 18 points.
Captain Sidney Crosby isn't far behind with 15 points, including three game-winners in this series alone. Additionally, the goalie controversy that has followed the team since Marc-Andre Fleury became healthy was settled ahead of Game 6 with rookie Matt Murray getting the call and winning.
Tampa Bay has some history on its side. The Lightning won a first-round Game 7 in 2011 under the Penguins' roof, and defenceman Anton Stralman is riding a perfect 7-0 record in Game 7s.
Tampa Bay seems to be confident on the road, winning four of its five away games this post-season.