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Alfredsson eyes return as Senators host Canadiens

Feb 9, 2008 - 11:40 AM Montreal (29-17-9) at Ottawa (33-18-4) 7:00 pm EST

OTTAWA (Ticker) -- With Dany Heatley already back in the lineup, the Ottawa Senators hope to have another All-Star ready when they host the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.

Sidelined for the last four games with a hip flexor, Alfredsson is expected to return for the Northeast Division showdown with Montreal. The Canadiens trail the first-place Senators by just three points.

Heatley returned on Thursday after missing the previous 11 games with a separated right shoulder. The All-Star left wing wasted little time getting back in the groove, pushing his goal total to 27 with two tallies - including the game-winner - in a 5-4 triumph over the Florida Panthers.

During Heatley's absence, Ottawa dropped eight of 11 contests and watched its lead in the Northeast over Montreal shrink to one point.

Montreal owns the best power-play unit in the NHL, converting on 25.4 percent of its opportunities. Alexei Kovalev leads the team with 14 man-advantage goals and scored his team-leading 25th tally in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Canadiens took advantage of the shorthanded Senators on Tuesday, skating to a 4-3 victory. Tomas Plekanec scored twice and defenseman Mark Streit netted the game-winner in the second period.

It was the first time in four meetings this season the Canadiens bested the Senators. Heatley and Alfredsson each scored two goals in the first three games.