BY IAN MENDES
sportsnet.ca
The Ottawa Senators received a double-dose of good news on Friday, as both Jason Spezza and Pascal Leclaire returned to the ice with their teammates.
Spezza is hoping to return to the lineup on Saturday night against Boston, after missing the last four consecutive games with his groin injury.
"It felt real nice to get out there and practise again," Spezza said on Friday. "We're cautiously optimistic. It felt pretty good today. I really want to get back into the lineup. As long as I feel good this afternoon, I'm hoping to play."
But Spezza may not find himself playing with his usual linemates Daniel Alfredsson and Milan Michalek against the Bruins. The Senators’ offence has scored 10 goals in their past two games and Mike Fisher has looked comfortable in Spezza's spot on the top line. That chemistry, combined with the productivity of the trio of Peter Regin, Alex Kovalev and Nick Foligno means that Spezza could be playing with a new set of wingers on Saturday.
"It's tough to break up at least a couple of lines that are playing well," admitted head coach Cory Clouston, who said he would have a better idea of line combinations on Saturday morning.
"It's a great problem to have," Spezza added. "I've watched the last couple of games from up top and the guys have played really well. It's nice to see the chemistry coming and I feel like I can add to it. I don't want to disrupt anything."
Leclaire is also nursing a groin injury that has sidelined him since Oct. 14. On Thursday, Clouston indicated that Leclaire's rehab had stagnated, showing no significant signs of improvement. However, Leclaire was on the ice for the first 20 minutes of practice on Friday wearing his full equipment -- a very encouraging sign.
"With those type of injuries, we just want to keep progressing," Clouston said of his netminder. "We'll wait and see how he feels tomorrow. There's a good chance he will skate with us tomorrow morning and then we'll just take it day by day."
