Crosby scratched from season finale with Penguins closing in on best record in the East

PHILADELPHIA - Penguins centre Sidney Crosby was scratched from Sunday's season finale against the Flyers with Pittsburgh playing for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Coach Michel Terrien decided to give Crosby the game off, likely as a precautionary measure after their captain missed 28 games with a sprained right ankle. Crosby finished the season with 24 goals and 72 points in 53 games.

The Atlantic Division champion Penguins could earn the top spot in the East with a win over the Flyers. The Flyers would be the No. 6 seed with a win.