Music: {allcanada} SPEZZA TO REST UP FOR OPENER WITH "MINOR" GROIN INJURY

Saturday, September 28, 2013

{allcanada} SPEZZA TO REST UP FOR OPENER WITH "MINOR" GROIN INJURY

Ottawa Senators head coach Paul MacLean confirmed that Jason Spezza has what he called a "minor" groin injury and hopes he is ready for Friday's season opener.

Spezza skated by himself on Saturday following the main group after practice.

"We are just making sure he is ready to play the opener which is way more important than any exhibition game," said MacLean. "No, right now he is not going to play (Sunday's pre-season finale against the Islanders) and we want to make sure 100 per cent and he's very close. Could he play (on Sunday)? Absolutely. He could have played the last two or three games."

The new Senators captain was limited to just five regular season games last year after undergoing back surgery. He has had also had groin issues several times in recent years.

In his last full season, Spezza had 34 goals and 50 assists in 80 games for Ottawa in 2011-12.