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Alfredsson expected to miss weekend games
By
BRUCE GARRIOCH, QMI Agency
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  Ottawa Senator Daniel Alfredsson during the Senator's practice in Ottawa Wednesday Oct 26, 2011. (TONY CALDWELL/QMI Agency) |
Daniel Alfredsson is on the road to recovery, but there is no timetable for his return.
The Senators captain has been cleared to do light exercise after suffering a concussion on a hit from New York Rangers winger Wojtek Wolski Saturday, but the captain likely won’t play in either of the club’s games this weekend.
That means the 38-year-old will miss back-to-back home games Friday against the Montreal Canadiens and Saturday vs. the Buffalo Sabres.
Coach Paul MacLean didn’t sound optimistic and pointed out that if you look at Pittsburgh superstar Sidney Crosby's situation, the time needed for recovery is hard to predict with head injuries. Crosby is inching closer to return after suffering a concussion in January,
“I don’t have anything to make me pessimistic that it’s going to be long-term,” said MacLean. “We’ve just got to be patient and wait ... see how he feels every day.
“There’s a team in Pittsburgh that has waited 11 months (for Crosby). We don’t know so we can’t put our finger on it to say that it is (long-term) or it isn’t. Right now, it’s anticipated (as short-term) but we don’t know.”
MacLean said Alfredsson would have to make great progress to play on the weekend.
“I believe he could play if he passes the protocals. That’s my understanding,” said MacLean. “But he has to be ready to play. He hasn’t skated and if he hasn’t practised before Saturday then we’re probably not going to play him.”
Goalie Alex Auld skated Wednesday and could dress as the backup vs. the Habs.
