Senators RW Alfredsson laments missing game vs. Red Wings

Oct 11, 2008 - 10:57 PM OTTAWA (Ticker) -- Daniel Alfredsson said he felt fine after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. The greater pain, according to the Ottawa Senators captain, is that he will miss Saturday's home opener against the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings.

"It's a big disappointment - this is a game I definitely look forward to," Alfredsson told the Ottawa Citizen. "Playing Detroit, I really enjoy the way they play, the type of players they have, especially them winning the Cup last year."

The Swede underwent surgery on Friday to remove a bone chip in his knee that was dislodged during the Senators' second game of the season against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Stockholm, Sweden on Sunday.

Alfredsson, 35, admitted he thought about postponing the surgery so he could suit up against the Red Wings but opted to have the procedure done immediately.

"This is the (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend, and then you miss a few more days (of recovery time)," Alfredsson told the newspaper. "I feel good about making the choice to do it right away, even though this is tough game to miss."

The talented Alfredsson missed 12 games last season with hip, groin and knee injuries but still finished with 40 goals and 49 assists.

In two games this season, the 13-year veteran has recorded two assists.