BY IAN MENDES
sportsnet.ca

The Ottawa Senators will likely be without the services of Daniel Alfredsson for an extended period of time, after he left the game with a left-shoulder injury on Wednesday night.

"I don't know exactly how long, but it will be a few weeks for sure," said Alfredsson, who had his shoulder in a sling after the game. The captain will likely go for an x-ray on Thursday in Ottawa to reveal the extent of the damage to the shoulder.

"It's not good," was the short, but telling answer from head coach Cory Clouston, when asked to elaborate on his captain's condition.

Alfredsson left the game late in the first period when he was checked by Penguins forward Craig Adams. Alfredsson lost his helmet on the play and television replays seemed to indicate that Adams' shoulder made contact with Alfredsson's head. There was no penalty assessed on the play.

Alfredsson said he had not seen a replay of the hit and said he was in a vulnerable position when he was hit by Adams.

This is the latest in a serious of injuries that have crippled the Senators in recent weeks. Jason Spezza is out until after the Olympics with a knee injury, while Nick Foligno is also out for the next week with a knee injury.