Senators lose hits leader Borowiecki ‘long term’

Antoine Roussel scored in the final minutes of the third to get the Stars a 2-1 win over the Senators.

The Ottawa Senators‘ fading playoff hopes took another blow Monday.

Defenceman Mark Borowiecki told reporters that he will be sidelined “long term” as he rehabilitates a torn MCL. The 26-year-old suffered the knee injury after slamming into the boards after a collision with Tampa Bay Lightning blueliner Matt Carle last week. Watch the play:

The MCL tear won’t require surgery, reports Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.

A regular on the Sens’ blue line this season, Borowiecki averages more than 14 minutes of ice time per night and ranks second league-wide with 271 hits.

The Ottawa native has one goal, one assist and 107 penalty minutes in 63 games this season.

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