BY IAN MENDES
sportsnet.ca
The Ottawa Senators may have to start the season without star centre Jason Spezza in the lineup.
Spezza was absent in practice on Thursday morning, one day after leaving the skate early with a groin injury. That was not a positive sign, as the team opens the season at home on Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres.
"We're not going to push him for one game and have him miss four or five games," said head coach Cory Clouston, who officially listed Spezza as a game-time decision for Friday.
Clouston juggled his lines in practice Thursday, as the team adjusted to the possibility of starting the season without Spezza. Peter Regin centered a unit with Milan Michalek and Alex Kovalev. Daniel Alfredsson was moved to a line with Mike Fisher and Nick Foligno.
