The NHL should be deep into postseason action, but with the start of 2019-20 playoffs delayed, theScore's hockey editors are picking their favorite Game 7s from years past.

On Wednesday, we look back at the deciding contest of the Philadelphia Flyers' unprecedented comeback against the Boston Bruins in the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals.

The setup

With several teams jockeying for playoff berths through the final weeks of the 2009-10 regular season, Boston closed out the campaign with three straight wins to comfortably secure the Eastern Conference's sixth seed. The Flyers' season, on the other hand, culminated in a win-and-you're-in contest against the New York Rangers on the final day of the campaign, a game Philadelphia won in one of the most memorable shootouts in NHL history.

The Bruins and Flyers both pulled off upsets in the opening round of the postseason. Riding the momentum of its late-season playoff push, Philadelphia steamrolled the second-seeded New Jersey Devils in five games. Boston, meanwhile, knocked off the third-seeded Buffalo Sabres in six.

The series

The Bruins took a pair of one-goal contests on home ice, including a 5-4 overtime thriller in Game 1, before pushing the Flyers to the brink with a dominant 4-1 win in Philadelphia.

Down 3-0 in the series, the Flyers faced sudden-death elimination as Game 4 went to overtime. Philly wouldn't lay down, though, as star forward Simon Gagne delivered the game-winner in the extra frame to catalyze a comeback for the ages.

Philadelphia's convincing 4-0 win in Game 5 came at a hefty cost when starting netminder Brian Boucher was forced from the tilt with a leg injury, further dampening his team's comeback chances. But in Game 6, backup Michael Leighton made 30 saves in his first career playoff start to lead the Flyers to a 2-1 victory and set up a seventh and decisive contest.

The game

It appeared the Flyers' miraculous comeback would fall short after the Bruins leapt out to a 3-0 first-period lead in front of a raucous Boston crowd. But Philadelphia's fight in the contest matched its resilience in the series: The Bruins let another 3-0 lead slip away as the Flyers stormed back to win 4-3. Philadelphia became just the third team in NHL history to win a playoff series after trailing 3 games to none, and the first to do so after facing a multi-goal deficit in Game 7.

The stars: The Flyers' game-breakers were there when the team needed them most. Despite registering just one assist between them, Chris Pronger and Mike Richards were dominant all over the ice in Game 7. Pronger led all players with 31:42 of ice time, including a 1:43 shift to end the game, while Richards paced all forwards by playing 22:21, primarily against the Bruins' top unit.

Philadelphia's line of Daniel Briere, Scott Hartnell, and Ville Leino was sensational, combining for six points in the second and third periods. Briere, undoubtedly the Flyer's most valuable player of the series with five goals and 10 points, notched the game-tying tally in Game 7.

The hero, once again, was played by Gagne. After missing Games 1-3 due to injury, Gagne potted his second game-winning goal of the series as the Flyers improved to 4-0 with him in their postseason lineup.

The X-factor: After allowing three goals on the first 13 shots he faced, Leighton locked things down to give the Flyers a chance. The backup netminder made 12 straight stops to end the game, highlighted by a point-blank save on Marc Savard with 3:50 remaining in the third period. Making just his second career postseason start, Leighton never wavered following a rocky first period.

The key moment: With nine minutes left in the third frame and the score tied 3-3, Bruins forward Milan Lucic came inches from putting Boston back on top when he clanked a heavy wrist shot off the post. Not only did the score remain even, but the Bruins were caught with too many men on the ice just 15 seconds later. With all the momentum tilted in Philadelphia's favor, that costly near-miss and subsequent error proved the difference.

The highlight

On the ensuing power play, Gagne found twine with a perfect shot over the shoulder of Tuukka Rask to put the Flyers ahead 4-3 with seven minutes left in regulation. The rest is history.

The fallout

The Flyers continued their Cinderella run, knocking off a red-hot Jaroslav Halak and the Montreal Canadiens in the third round to reach their first Stanley Cup Final since 1996-97. Unfortunately, the club's miracle season was halted by a juggernaut Chicago Blackhawks team that defeated Philadelphia in six games for the first of its three Stanley Cups of the decade.

The Bruins took their embarrassing collapse personally and came back stronger because of it. After establishing another 3-0 series lead over the Flyers in the second round of the 2011 playoffs, Boston completed the sweep with conviction, outscoring the Flyers 20-7 in the series. The Bruins rode that momentum to a third-round knockout of the Tampa Bay Lightning before upsetting the Presidents' Trophy-winning Vancouver Canucks in seven games to capture their first Stanley Cup since 1972.

Want to relive all the action? Catch the full game here.

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Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson and many other players in Sweden have been granted permission by local authorities to return to the ice, something their peers overseas are not pleased about, TSN's Darren Dreger reported on Tuesday's edition of "Insider Trading."

Some players in North America "do not like the idea" of the Swedes being allowed to skate due to the "competitive edge" it could offer if the league returns, according to Dreger.

Having players return to the ice is a recommendation - but not a directive - from the league, Dreger adds. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, arenas and training facilities remain closed in North America to all players unless they are rehabbing an injury.

Last week, the league extended its self-quarantine recommendation for players and staff for the third time, pushing back the date to April 30.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said players will need a two-to-three week training camp if the NHL resumes its season, which was suspended March 12.

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Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen thinks it's only fair that the NHL broaden its playoff bracket if the league jumps right into the postseason upon its pending return.

"If you go directly into the playoffs, I think it has to be expanded from 16 teams," Kekalainen said, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "Otherwise, you'd have to cut it right off, and how do you cut it off when teams had different schedules, different strength of schedules, more home games or less homes games? ... All these differences, where you've arrived at a certain amount of points in a different amount of games."

With the season on pause, the Blue Jackets occupy the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference based on total points. However, the club has played two more games than the New York Islanders and would fail to qualify if the league awarded playoff positions based on points percentage.

Kekalainen is well aware of his team's situation and has made his proposition known to the league office.

"I'm lobbying for getting into the playoffs," Kekalainen said. "Obviously, we want to be a part of it. When the play paused, by points percentage, we were not in (the playoffs), but by points, we were in. What's the fair way to do it, if you continue to go right into the playoffs?

"It's hard to say. Points percentage is one thing, but you still have to earn those points, and we already did. We're above the line."

The Blue Jackets, who've made the playoffs in each of the last three campaigns, have been one of the most surprising stories this season after watching several core players walk in free agency last summer.

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Longtime NHL executive Anthony LeBlanc has joined Senators Sports and Entertainment as its president of business operations, Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk announced Monday.

"I am thrilled to be appointed to the position of president of business operations with the Senators," LeBlanc said. "Having been a diehard Senators fan since the Sens rejoined the league, this opportunity is truly an honor. I look forward to working closely with the entire staff as we prepare for an exciting chapter in the history of the Senators.

"I am confident that my experience in the NHL, as well as my sales and marketing background in the technology sector, will be put to good use here in the National Capital Region."

LeBlanc's hiring comes about six weeks after former CEO Jim Little was reportedly fired over abuse allegations his ex-wife made toward him. Little spent just 54 days on the job.

LeBlanc previously served as president, chief executive officer, co-owner, and alternate governor of the Arizona Coyotes franchise from 2013-17. He also worked in several roles at BlackBerry from 2000-08, including as the vice president of global sales.

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The Edmonton Oilers were poised to make their second playoff appearance in 14 years before the season was suspended in March, and general manager Ken Holland is finding it hard to come to grips with the disappointment.

"From Dec. 31 on we played at a high level and I think everybody was excited," Holland said, according to TSN.

"We positioned ourselves so that we controlled our own fate, believing that we were going to play our way into the playoffs and when you get to the playoffs, you never know," he added. "When you look at the recent results of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, you can throw the regular season stats out the window and it's wide open.

"So I think that's the disappointment of not being able to continue on, but certainly we all understand what's going on in the world today."

With the season on pause, Edmonton sits second in the Pacific Division and would hold home-ice advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. Over half of the club's roster - including blue-chippers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl - have skated in 15 or fewer playoff games, and Holland understands how crucial a late-season period like this is for his inexperienced team.

"The 11 regular-season games that were coming up were going to be really valuable for our young players, and we were hopeful we could play our way into the playoffs and then again you play another two weeks and you hope to move onto the next series," he said. "So those are very, very valuable times for all players and for a team."

Holland, who the Oilers hired last May, also expressed how important a postseason run would be as he evaluates his new roster.

"We're trying to obviously build a program here and identify players that we want to go forward with and also identify roles for the team," he noted.

"The young players (Kailer) Yamamoto, Ethan Bear, and Caleb Jones, and I probably missed one or two. Those were the really young players that these games were of the utmost importance in their long-term development," Holland continued.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has said the league is doing its best to explore all options to resume the season, which includes playing games without fans and hosting contests at neutral sites.

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Veteran defenseman Dustin Byfuglien is officially a free agent after he and the Winnipeg Jets resolved their lengthy dispute by having his contract terminated Friday.

Whether or not the 35-year-old is looking to continue playing in the NHL remains to be seen. If he is, Byfuglien will likely garner a fair amount of interest from teams looking to bolster the back end for 2020-21. His fate could also depend on what teams are willing to pay him, especially with next season's salary cap up in the air due to revenue losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Assuming Byfuglien is healthy and wishes to continue his NHL career, and that any team signing him will exercise caution by giving him a one-year "show me" deal, here are a few spots where the blue-liner would fit best.

Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens need to add a difference-maker following another mediocre campaign, and a healthy Byfuglien could help the middling club go from a playoff hopeful to a team capable of a deep postseason run.

Here's an example of what the Habs' blue line could look like with Byfuglien in the mix:

Alongside Shea Weber and Jeff Petry, Byfuglien would give the Canadiens an embarrassment of riches at one of the most coveted positions in the league: right defense. Each of those three is at least 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds, so the addition of Byfuglien could make that side of the ice an absolute nightmare for Montreal's opponents. With his strong offensive game and cannon of a shot, Byfuglien would also provide another much-needed weapon for the club's 22nd-ranked power play.

The Canadiens should be able to make things work financially, as each of the top four defensemen listed above is already under contract through next season. The only core players in need of new deals for 2020-21 are Victor Mete and forward Max Domi, who will both be restricted free agents this summer.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Byfuglien would help the Maple Leafs improve their two most glaring weaknesses: defensive depth on the right side and a lack of physicality. Assuming Tyson Barrie and Cody Ceci find new homes in free agency, the Leafs will also have a heightened need for a right shot on the blue line.

Here's a rough idea of how Toronto's defensive unit could stack up in 2020-21 if the team takes a chance on Big Buff:

The 6-foot-5 rearguard would immediately become the Leafs' most intimidating presence, and though he isn't the fastest skater, he could also fit the club's offensive blueprint thanks to his savvy awareness in that end. Byfuglien should also appeal to Toronto's analytics-driven approach: His teams have owned the advantage in Corsi For rating, expected goals percentage, and high-danger scoring chances with Byfuglien on the ice at five-on-five during nearly every season of his career.

It's no secret the Leafs are tight against the salary cap, and with next season's upper limit still in question, it's currently impossible to determine whether Byfuglien would be a realistic option. Letting Barrie and Ceci walk would free up nearly $7 million in cap room, though, and a one-year deal for Byfuglien wouldn't threaten Toronto's ability to re-sign players beyond next season. The Leafs are in a plug-and-play situation as they look to surround a pricey core with cost-effective supplementary pieces. Byfuglien could be a fit - depending on his asking price.

St. Louis Blues

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong had himself a busy week with a slew of signings. Most noteworthy was a four-year extension for defenseman Marco Scandella - a deal that's put pending unrestricted free agent Alex Pietrangelo's future with the team into further question.

St. Louis is also likely to re-sign restricted free-agent rearguard Vince Dunn, who's proven to be a valuable contributor at just 23 years of age. Unless the Blues move a core player with a high-end cap hit, keeping their captain doesn't seem realistic. But what if Byfuglien - who'd undoubtedly come far cheaper than Pietrangelo - could fill that spot on the right side for at least one season and help the Blues push for another Stanley Cup?

Let's assess what a Blues back end featuring Byfuglien might look like:

The following graphs illustrate the respective on-ice impacts of Pietrangelo and Byfuglien since 2016.

Pietrangelo: 76 total games tracked from 2016-19

Byfuglien: 124 total games tracked from 2016-19

It's highly unlikely, of course, that Byfuglien ever again comes close to his previously elite level of play, but these numbers prove the veteran's game was recently on par with Pietrangelo's in many respects.

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NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is in contact with the Canadian government and has made "a plan to connect directly" with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss potential testing for the coronavirus, TSN's Darren Dreger reported on Thursday's edition of "Insider Trading."

"There's a number of developing options that could be available, promoting some optimism at least within the National Hockey League," Dreger said.

The league extended its self-quarantine period for players and staff for a third time Tuesday, pushing the recommendation through April 30.

Bettman continues to explore all options for completing the season, which was suspended March 12. Potential alternatives include playing games without spectators as well as hosting contests at neutral locations.

Some players around the league, including Los Angeles Kings star Drew Doughty, are not as optimistic about the season resuming.

Eight players - five on the Ottawa Senators and three on the Colorado Avalanche - have tested positive for the virus. All have since recovered.

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Despite being voted both the best and worst trash-talker for the second straight year in the NHLPA's annual player poll, Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand claims he's been holding his tongue on the ice.

"I don't really trash talk anymore," Marchand said Thursday, according to Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media Network. "Too many microphones. Referees too. Too many It's just not the generation anymore. Nothing I'm really overly interested in anymore."

The longtime Bruins pest has been known for terrorizing opponents mentally and on the scoresheet throughout his 11 year NHL career. "I might have caught a couple guys with some good ones back in the day," he said, according to Mike Porter of The Boston Globe.

However, Marchand added that he's steered clear of hurling chirps at linemate and four-time Selke Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron.

"I absolutely would never - I don't bite the hand that feeds me. I'm a little smarter than that," Marchand said, according to NESN's Mike Cole. "I think the most we've ever got into it is when Pasta (David Pastrnak) and I are getting into it, and Bergy's gotta yell at both of us to stop yelling at each other."

Before the NHL suspended play on March 12, Marchand was enjoying another elite campaign with 28 goals and 87 points through 70 games for the league-leading Bruins.

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Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers believes his club is on the verge of something special.

"I think we have such a good, solid core group of guys," Myers said Wednesday, according to Sportsnet's Ian MacIntyre. "You add in a piece here and there to keep developing your team.

"I guess what I’m trying to say is we're close. We're close to that point of becoming a winning team. It's just a matter of experience and getting that feeling of what it takes to win. And part of that is getting that experience in the playoffs."

The Canucks haven't made the playoffs since 2015, but they sit tied for the Western Conference's final wild-card berth with the season on hold.

Vancouver has a budding young core to thank for much of its success in 2019-20. Five of the club's top seven scorers, including blue-chip talents Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes, are 25 or younger.

"With all of our young guys, they're such drivers of the team right now," Myers said. "The development they showed this year, I think, was more than people were expecting. I think the mix of those young guys with a few more veterans we have in the room now, it came together really well."

The NHL suspended its season on March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday any format for a return to action would need to be "fair" and give bubble teams - like the Canucks - the chance to battle for a playoff spot.

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The St. Louis Blues inked forward Sammy Blais to a two-year extension with an average annual value of $1.5 million, the team announced Wednesday.

Blais, 23, had been scheduled to become a restricted free agent at the end of the current season.

"He's a developing player that we think highly of," general manager Doug Armstrong said, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Jim Thomas. "We think he certainly can be a top-nine regular in our group. I think injuries derailed a little bit of that for him at the start of this year."

The 6-foot-2 winger suffered a broken wrist in November, which limited him to just 40 games in 2019-20 before play was suspended. Despite the injury, Blais led the Blues with 155 hits while contributing six goals and 13 points.

St. Louis selected Blais in the sixth round of the 2014 NHL Draft. The Quebec native has tallied nine goals and 20 points over 83 career contests, all with the Blues.

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