The Ottawa Senators are optimistic that Erik Karlsson will be able to return to the lineup Thursday night, when they visit the New York Rangers.
While the defenceman did not practice with the team Wednesday morning in Manhattan, Senators head coach Paul MacLean indicated that Karlsson should be able to play on Thursday.
Karlsson, who leads all NHL defencemen with 41 points, was a surprise scratch just moments before the opening faceoff on Tuesday night in Pittsburgh, after sustaining what the club was calling an upper-body injury.
After Ottawa's 5-1 victory on Tuesday, MacLean suggested that the injury was not serious and Karlsson was held out for precautionary reasons.
Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson also missed Wednesday's practice in Manhattan, as he was given a maintenance day by MacLean.
Alfredsson is expected to play on Thursday night.
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