Martin Gerber will make his first start since November 7th when the Ottawa Senators visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

Alex Auld had made 11 consecutive starts for the Senators, who lost a 4-3 overtime decision to the Florida Panthers on Monday night.

Gerber had started the season as the club's number one netminder, but was replaced by Auld after a shaky string of starts. Gerber has posted a 1-4-1 record with a 3.17 GAA in six games this season.

In other news from practice on Tuesday, Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley did not participate in practice. Craig Hartsburg says the two stars were simply given the day off to rest and they will both be in the lineup on Wednesday in Chicago.

Also, forward Dean McAmmond will not accompany the team on their two-game road trip to Chicago and Washington.

McAmmond has missed the past five games with a severe cold that turned into a form of pneumonia. He will stay in Ottawa and skate on his own and could be targeting a return on Saturday when the Senators host the Tampa Bay Lightning.