Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson is ?hopeful? and ?encouraged? that he will be able to return to the lineup Monday at Scotiabank Place.
The Senators lead the New York Rangers 3-2 in the best-of-seven series and can advance to the second round with a victory.
The Senators have managed to put the Rangers on the brink of elimination despite the fact Alfredsson was knocked out of the series with a concussion in Game 2, after being elbowed in the head by the Rangers? Carl Hagelin, who received a three-game suspension for the hit.
Alfredsson also skated in Ottawa on Saturday and was on the ice for 70 minutes Sunday, taking part in a light optional practice.
?It?s obviously nice to be back on the ice and skate and it felt good,? he said. ?Today was another good step.?
Alfredsson says he has experienced mixed emotions while watching the team play so well without him.
?It could have been a lot harder,? he said. ?The guys have played really hard, the way we?ve wanted. It has been fun to watch, but also frustrating.?
He has been most impressed with the club?s commitment to team defence.
Senators coach Paul MacLean, who has managed to keep his emotions in check throughout the series, allowed himself a smile Sunday when talking about Alfredsson?s status.
?We?re encouraged and optimistic from the progress he has made and we?ll see where it is (Monday),? he said. ?It?s definitely encouraging.?
Jason Spezza, who also took part in Sunday?s skate, recognizes the value of Alfredsson?s skill and leadership. ?We?re a much better team with Alfie in the lineup, but we?re also a resilient bunch, so that if he can?t play, we?re fine and we can work through it,? he said. ?But there are no bones about it, we?re a better team when he?s in the lineup and having his presence.?
The Senators lead the New York Rangers 3-2 in the best-of-seven series and can advance to the second round with a victory.
The Senators have managed to put the Rangers on the brink of elimination despite the fact Alfredsson was knocked out of the series with a concussion in Game 2, after being elbowed in the head by the Rangers? Carl Hagelin, who received a three-game suspension for the hit.
Alfredsson also skated in Ottawa on Saturday and was on the ice for 70 minutes Sunday, taking part in a light optional practice.
?It?s obviously nice to be back on the ice and skate and it felt good,? he said. ?Today was another good step.?
Alfredsson says he has experienced mixed emotions while watching the team play so well without him.
?It could have been a lot harder,? he said. ?The guys have played really hard, the way we?ve wanted. It has been fun to watch, but also frustrating.?
He has been most impressed with the club?s commitment to team defence.
Senators coach Paul MacLean, who has managed to keep his emotions in check throughout the series, allowed himself a smile Sunday when talking about Alfredsson?s status.
?We?re encouraged and optimistic from the progress he has made and we?ll see where it is (Monday),? he said. ?It?s definitely encouraging.?
Jason Spezza, who also took part in Sunday?s skate, recognizes the value of Alfredsson?s skill and leadership. ?We?re a much better team with Alfie in the lineup, but we?re also a resilient bunch, so that if he can?t play, we?re fine and we can work through it,? he said. ?But there are no bones about it, we?re a better team when he?s in the lineup and having his presence.?
