  Jason Spezza is likely still a couple of weeks away from returning to the Sens from a shoulder injury, but he has returned to skating and shooting the puck. (QMI Agency file photo)
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OTTAWA - Jason Spezza is showing progress.
The Senators centre could be ready to return after the all-star break from a shoulder injury that was supposed to keep him out 4-to-6 weeks. Spezza has resumed skating is able to shoot the puck.
That is a huge step.
"He is ahead of schedule," said coach Cory Clouston on Wednesday.
The Senators won't have winger Alexei Kovalev back against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night. He took part in the first drill in practice and left the ice. Kovalev is resting a knee injury and won't be ready to return.
"He's feeling better," said Clouston.
Brian Elliott, Daniel Alfredsson and Sergei Gonchar weren't on the ice at Wednesday's practice. All three are expected to play Thursday, however.
It's expected either Mike Brodeur or rookie Robin Lehner will play one of the club's next two games in the Ottawa net.
