Jason Spezza News

Spezza missed the last two games with a sore groin, but is feeling better and will play tonight vs. Montreal. Spezza has 61 points (19G / 42A) in 69 games this season.

Updating an earlier report: Spezza called himself a game-time decision, but head coach Paul MacLean said that Spezza will not play tonight vs. the Isles. Mika Zibanejad will skate in Spezza's spot again.

Spezza missed Monday's game and is in danger of missing his second straight game. He says that he is feeling better, but it will be up to the coaches during warmups. Monitor his status during the 6:30 pm ET warmups.

Spezza missed Monday's game with an undisclosed injury, but could return Wednesday. However, he is not taking part in line rushes this morning. Mika Zibanejad is still skating with Spezza's regular linemates Milan Michalek and Ales Hemsky. This suggests Spezza might sit for a second straight game, but monitor his status following the morning skate.

The Senators will keep their captain out for precautionary reasons. JG Pageau who was recalled this morning, will slide into the lineup for Spezza. Consider him day-to-day at this point.

Spezza was skating a line with Mark Stone and Colin Greening in the game-day skate. After missing four games he appears set to return tonight in Colorado. Spezza has 30 points (11G / 19A) and a minus-14 rating in 39 games.

Spezza will miss his third straight game with a lower-body injury that he suffered less than a week ago. He is not expected to miss too many more games, but continue to monitor his status heading into the weekend.

Spezza will miss his second straight game and is continued to be listed as day-to-day.

Mika Zibanejad will slide to the top line with Spezza out. Monitor his status prior to Monday's contest.

Against the upstart Sharks, the Senators need all the offence they can get, so Spezza is in.

Spezza missed Wednesday's game with a groin injury but is expected to return tonight. He will play between Bobby Ryan and Milan Michalek, he has one goal in two games.

After sitting out on Wednesday because of a nagging groin injury, the Sens captain skated with the team today. It is a good sign the the centre could return to the lineup tomorrow vs. San Jose. They are going to need as much fire power as they have if they want to beat the red-hot Sharks.

As reported yesterday, Paul McLean wants Spezza's groin to heal so it is not a lingering issue all season. Stephane Da Costa will centre Milan Michalek and Bobby Ryan.

MacLean says he will sit down with the training staff and Spezza to make a decision. Monitor his status tomorrow.

Although he was absent from practice, Spezza will play on Wednesday in Los Angeles. He has averaged 18:05 in the first two games, with one goal and 11 shots.

“Jason Spezza has a minor groin injury that we are managing to get him to Oct. 4 so he can play,” MacLean said following practice at the Canadian Tire Centre. “We’re just making sure he’s ready to play the opener, which is more important than an exhibition game.”

Expect Spezza to be ready for the Senators' October 4th season opener.

Spezza missed 43 games last season with a back injury so when he is out of the lineup it is worrisome. However it sounds like the injury is not serious and he should be ready for the start of the regular season.

"I'm definitely 100 per cent right now, I feel really good," said Spezza. "I had a good off-season and it was nice to have a full summer of training and hopefully I can reap the rewards of it." Spezza is confident his back won't be a recurring issue, but says he will definitely be giving it greater attention.

Spezza, who played for the first time since a herniated disc in his back shelved him on Jan. 27, had a relatively steady night, finishing with 18:40 of ice time and winning 60 percent of his faceoffs. He is a huge addition to the Senators lineup and should help Ottawa upfront vs. a strong Penguins team.