ATLANTA -- The Senators will ice their A-team for only the second time this season tonight if Filip Kuba gets the thumbs-up to go in a "game-time decision."
Right now, that seems like a pretty big if.
After announcing Brian Elliott as his starting goalie against the Thrashers, coach Cory Clouston today termed Mike Fisher's return from a one game “upper body” injury absence as “probable”, and also said the same about Kuba, who has missed the last six games with a lower body problem.
But Kuba didn’t sound too confident about his chances of playing after the morning skate.
“I don't know what to say ... it’s not perfect,” said Kuba. “That’s why we’re kind of waiting (to make a decision).”
If Kuba does play, Clouston will likely scratch Chris Campoli, although Matt Carkner might also be a candidate for a seat in the pressbox.
Carkner has missed a couple of practices of late and has been playing hurt.
While others are also feeling the discomfort of various bumps and bruises, the return of both Fisher and Kuba would give Clouston an injury-free roster to choose from.
Only one other time this season - for an eventual 4-3 win in Florida Oct. 28 - has he had that luxury.
Clouston surprised no one in confirming he was going with Elliott, his unofficial No. 1 goalie, between the pipes.
The Senators have lost six of their last seven games and are in danger of falling into sixth place on the Eastern Conference ladder.
Thursday’s game starts at 7 p.m. and is on Sportsnet.
