Philadelphia won the training match 3-2 after a goal in extra time, but the big question before the match got its answer right from the start. Because yes, Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby was on the ice, playing.

The superstar had missed five of the team's last six training sessions and a question mark over his physical status had been raised. But 23 changes and a playing time of just over 19 minutes later, he gave the thumbs up.

- It felt good. I felt strong, it will take time to find the game and so on, but it will come with time. So it basically felt good. It was fun to be back out on the ice, says Crosby according to nhl.com.

"Nice to play"

There were no goals from Crosby's side, Philadelphia goalkeeper Carter Hart saw to that.

Hart has also missed training sessions during the so-called bubble in Toronto, but was ready for two periods of play.

- It was nice to play, it was so long ago for both teams. It was good for us to get a match to see how it goes here. I think we played well, Hart says after eleven saves on twelve shots.

All 24 teams will rehearse each time before the competition match begins on Saturday.

- It was this opportunity we had to evaluate where we stand and to be able to see what we are good at and what we can improve. And we'll start with that tomorrow, says Pittsburgh's coach Mike Sullivan, and suggests that there is a lot to hone in on.

Demonstration against racism

Before the match, the players from both teams stood up to each other to jointly draw attention to racism and social injustices.

"A lot has happened since we last played and in both teams we felt it was important to show community and unity and that we want to be part of the solution," said Sidney Crosby, referring to the widespread protests that followed George. Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police in May.

The players in Toronto and Montreal also participated in a similar demonstration a few hours later before their match. When the game started, Toronto won 4-2.

The seriousness begins on Saturday, when the playoffs for the Stanley Cup seeding qualifiers for the playoffs begin.

If everything goes as planned, the first Stanley Cup final will be played on 22 September and no later than 4 October, the greatly delayed season will be over.