(UPDATE 2:21 PM)- Paul MacLean has confirmed what has been speculated the last couple days- Jason Spezza is ready to return to the Ottawa Senators line up. The Sens number one centre has been out of the line up since January 27. A huge boost for this team as they return to Scotiabank Place for Game 3.
The Ottawa Senators put in a solid effort in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal but still came up short.
Sidney Crosby showed why he's the best player in the NHL, scoring three times in a 4-3 Pittsburgh win. Kyle Turris, Colin Greening and Jean Gabriel Pageau scored for the Sens but it just wasn't enough. The Sens now hope a little home cooking and the return of their number one centre will help them turn this series around.
The Sens could get a big boost tomorrow night in the form of Jason Spezza.
Spezza was on the ice for an optional skate this afternoon and was no longer in the healthy scratch grey jersey. Instead, Ian Mendes points out he was sporting the first line white jersey. Although it should be noted that the usual colour patterns in the jersey don't always apply to optional skates. Conditioning and timing will be an issue for Spezza when he returns but he's a skilled player that should really help out this team's offence.
After a rough outing in Game 2, there are a number of fans calling for Robin Lehner in Game 3. A pretty ridiculous suggestion, if you ask me. Craig Anderson has been incredible for this team all season and was huge in their first round series against the Montreal Canadiens. One soft goal against the Penguins on Friday night and MacLean should turn the team over to Lehner?
Not gonna happen.
With that said, MacLean knows he can go to Lehner if Anderson struggles again on Sunday night.
It's pretty clear through two games that the health of the Ottawa Senators is a pretty big concern. Erik Karlsson looks like he's playing at about 50%, Milan Michalek is completely invisible, Jakob Silfverberg seems to be nursing something and that's just the injuries we can see. It's not an excuse but rather the reality of the playoff grind.
Patrick Wiercioch, who has been sidelined with a lower body injury, was also on the ice for today's optional skate. His status for tomorrow's game is still up in the air.
Will update this post with comments from the Head Coach after the skate.
Coach MacLean confirms Jason Spezza will be in the lineup tomorrow
— Ottawa Senators (@NHL_Sens) May 18, 2013
