By IAN MENDES
sportsnet.ca
Senators forward Jason Spezza did not participate in practice on Wednesday, but is expected to play on Thursday night when the New York Islanders visit Ottawa.
Head coach Cory Clouston said Spezza's ailment was not serious, calling it just "bumps and bruises."
Clouston also indicated that defenseman Filip Kuba and forward Ryan Shannon will each miss a second consecutive game with undisclosed injuries. Kuba is being listed as day-to-day, after missing Tuesday's 2-1 win over Toronto. Shannon missed that contest after suffering an injury in the third period of the season-opening loss at the New York Rangers on Saturday.
Notes - Pascal Leclaire is expected to start in goal against the New York Islanders. Clouston hinted that Brian Elliott will start a game during this home stand, with the most likely scenario seeing him start on Saturday against Atlanta ... Jesse Winchester skated with teammates again on Wednesday, but he won't be ready for Thursday's home opener. The centre suffered a lower body injury in the pre-season ... Milan Michalek suffered damage to his two front teeth after taking a high-stick to the face from Luke Schenn on Tuesday night. He practiced on Wednesday and will be in the lineup on Thursday ... The Senators are kicking off a stretch where they play six of their next seven contests at Scotiabank Place. "When you look at that stretch, it's definitely important," said Clouston. "You want to make sure you put as many wins as possible on home ice."
