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Senators clinging to division lead

Feb 7, 2008 - 1:51 PM Florida (25-25-5) at Ottawa (32-18-4) 7:30 pm EST

OTTAWA (Ticker) - The Ottawa Senators started the year strong and it appeared they would have few problems claiming the Northeast Division title. Things have changed and a loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday could change things even more.

Despite an Eastern Conference-best 68 points, Ottawa finds itself just one point ahead of the surging Montreal Canadiens - who can take over first place Thursday with a win over Toronto and an Ottawa loss in regulation.

Perhaps just in time, Ottawa will get a boost on Thursday as All-Star left wing Dany Heatley is expected to return from injury.

Plagued by key injuries to Heatley and captain Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa has lost eight of its last 11 contests to see its once-commanding division lead shrink.

However, Heatley declared himself ready for action Wednesday, just four weeks after suffering a separated shoulder. The team had initially expected to be without their third-leading scorer for six weeks.

Alfredsson, who has missed the last three games with a nagging hip injury, likely will sit this game out as well. The veteran is hoping to return this weekend.

Florida has won three straight contests and is coming off an impressive 8-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday.

Richard Zednik registered his second career hat trick and added an assist and Tomas Vokoun made 23 saves as Florida posted its biggest margin of victory in franchise history.