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Senators may be without Alfredsson

Jan 31, 2008 - 2:25 PM Boston (26-19-5) at Ottawa (32-15-4) 7:30 pm EST

OTTAWA (Ticker) - The Ottawa Senators could be without Daniel Alfredsson when they host the Boston Bruins on Thursday.

The All-Star right wing, who has 32 goals and 36 assists this season, aggravated a hip injury on Tuesday and was excused from Wednesday's practice. Coach John Paddock to proclaimed the Swede's status as "iffy" for Thursday.

"We'll see (Thursday)," Paddock said.

The possible absence of Alfredsson would be another blow to the Eastern Conference-leading Senators, who are already with out Dany Heatley (shoulder), a two-time 50 goal scorer.

Ottawa also is having to deal with goaltending issues after Ray Emery was fined for showing up late to a team skate on Monday. Emery led the Senators to the Stanley Cup Finals last season, but has a career-worst 2.95 goals-against average this season.

This season it has been Emery's backup, Martin Gerber that has stepped up. Gerber is 23-8 with a 2.63 GAA and has won two straight starts.

Gerber has also benefited from an offense that has scored 13 goals in that span, and is leading the league with an average of 3.47 goals per game.

However, if Alfredsson is out, that offensive production will be tested. Facing an All-Star goaltender will not help any.

On Tuesday, All-Star Tim Thomas stopped 37 shots and Glen Metropolit scored two goals as Boston posted a 3-1 win over Nashville. The winning goalie in the All-Star Game, Thomas has a 2.30 GAA this season.

Ottawa has won four straight and seven of the last eight meetings.