BY IAN MENDES
sportsnet.ca

Pascal Leclaire took a significant step towards returning to the Ottawa Senators lineup, as he participated in a full practice with his teammates on Friday in New Jersey.

Leclaire has been sidelined since suffering a fractured cheek bone when he was hit in the face by a puck on November 23rd. Prior to Friday's session at The Prudential Center, Leclaire was limited to taking shots from assistant coaches and injured teammates prior to practices.

"It's been feeling good for the last 10 days. It's good to start skating with the guys," said Leclaire on Friday morning.

"It just gives him some extra ice time with the players. We don't have any guys back home who can give him any shots," added head Cory Clouston.

The club is targeting a return to the lineup on Wednesday, when the Senators visit the Pittsburgh Penguins. Leclaire still needs to be cleared by team doctors for game action, as they are worried that any significant contact could send him back to square one with the injury.

"The only thing is, we have to still wait. I got to make sure that when I come back, I'm ready to help the team," said Leclaire.

"It's better to wait an extra 5 or 6 days to make sure everything is solid."

If Leclaire is not cleared for Wednesday's game at Pittsburgh, the netminder is hopeful to return on Boxing Day at Buffalo.

Notes: Brian Elliott will start in goal for the Senators tonight against the Devils ... F Nick Foligno underwent successful surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee. According to Clouston, Foligno could be back in a window that ranges from 10 - 18 days, depending on how severe the swelling is ... The Sens will not make any lineup changes tonight, while the Devils lineup is also expected to stay the same from their win on Wednesday over Montreal.