Jason Spezza didn’t play in the series opener against Pittsburgh, and he won’t play in the second game either.
On Wednesday, Senators head coach Paul MacLean said Spezza would not be available for Game 2, despite him practicing with the Black Aces back in Ottawa.
Spezza didn’t travel with the Sens to Pittsburgh for Game 1, which the Penguins won 4-1, and sounds as though he’s close to return -- just not close enough.
“I think Jason still has some hurdles to get over before we get to that point with him coming in to say he’s ready to play, and us allowing him to play,” MacLean told the Ottawa Citizen.
Spezza has not played since having back surgery Feb. 1 to repair a herniated disc.
Prior to the injury, he had five points in five regular-season games -- and the Sens could desperately use his postseason production (51 points in 53 playoff games).