Neil to return for Senators

Mar 22, 2008 - 6:41 PM OTTAWA, Ontario (Ticker) -- Right wing Chris Neil is expected to return to the lineup Saturday night when the Ottawa Senators host the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Neil has missed 13 games since suffering a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee against the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 21.

"If I can get 10-12 minutes out of him, I'd be happy the first game (back)," Senators coach Bryan Murray told the team's web site.

The return of Neil could be a boost for the Senators, who are still fighting for first place in the Northeast Division. They missed his physical play in their last game against the Maple Leafs, a 5-0 loss on February 25.

"I feel good out there," Neil said. "That's the bottom line. It feels good to get back in the lineup and hopefully come in a help contribute a bit."

The Senators (41-26-7 have been playing better under Murray, who took over for the fired John Paddock after back-to-back shutout losses to Toronto and Boston in late February.

Ottawa has won four of its last five games and is three points behind the first-place Canadiens in the Northeast Division with eight games remaining.