By IAN MENDES
Sportsnet.ca
Mike Fisher missed practice on Thursday with an undisclosed injury, but the forward expects to play in the Ottawa Senators regular-season opener on Saturday night in New York.
"It's just bumps and bruises. I'm just making sure I'm ready for Saturday. It's nothing serious," Fisher said Thursday afternoon.
Head coach Cory Clouston declined to specify the exact nature of Fisher's ailment, but echoed the forward's statement that the injury does not appear to be serious.
"He'll be fine and we expect him to play on Saturday. He should be on the ice tomorrow," Clouston said.
Nick Foligno skated in Fisher's place on a line with Peter Regin and Alexei Kovalev for most drills on Thursday.
Notes: Jesse Winchester skated with teammates for the first time since suffering a lower body injury in the pre-season. Clouston indicated that Winchester is slightly ahead of schedule and could return to the line-up when the Senators have a three-game homestand late next week...The club spent a significant portion of Thursday's 90-minute practice working on the power play...Clouston did not reveal his selection for an alternate captain when meeting with the media on Thursday. There is a slim chance the announcement could be made on Thursday afternoon by the club.
