The struggling Senators have now been reduced to a patchwork blue line.
Defencemen Chris Campoli and Sergei Gonchar, who both left Tuesday’s 4-3 OT loss to the Islanders with lower-body injuries, are on the shelf and won’t play against the Boston Bruins Friday at Scotiabank Place, or against the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Saturday.
While Matt Carkner could return from a lower-body injury that has forced him to miss the past six games, the Senators will likely recall Derek Smith from their AHL affiliate in Binghamton.
Smith, a 26-year-old Belleville native and fourth-year pro, has suited up for two NHL games, both for the Senators last season.
Neither Gonchar nor Campoli are expected to be out long.
“We don’t know (how long), but I don’t think it’s real, real serious. Hopefully it will be sooner than later, but there’s no real timetable,” said Campoli.
On the forward ranks, captain Daniel Alfredsson has made progress in his recovery from a back injury, but won’t be ready to return until the end of the month. Centre Jesse Winchester (knee) could resume skating with the Senators Thursday.
