Sportsnet.ca -- Ottawa Senators forward Mike Fisher was on the ice with his teammates on Friday, for the first time since suffering an abdominal strain six days ago.

Fisher is not ruling himself out for Saturday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Scotiabank Place.

"The final decision will be made tomorrow," Fisher said. "Today I felt pretty good and it's come a long way this week. I'm happy with the way it's going, so if the skate goes well tomorrow, I'll decide if I can play."

Fisher missed both games of Ottawa's road trip this week, after suffering the injury in the first period of Saturday's 7-3 win over the Atlanta Thrashers.

"I'm cautiously hopeful or optimistic (he will play), but he'll tell me tomorrow," head coach John Paddock said.

Paddock also announced that goaltender Ray Emery will start Saturday's game against Chicago. The netminder has not played since injuring his hip in the first period of Ottawa's 6-0 win over Carolina on December 12.

Chris Phillips was the only regular player to miss Friday's brief 30-minute skate. Paddock told reporters that Phillips was simply taking a day off for maintenance purposes and he will play Saturday night.