Jason Spezza "minor" groin injury will prevent him from playing in Ottawa's split-squad games versus the New York Islanders on Sunday. He skated on his own after the team's main group practiced Saturday morning. "Jason Spezza has a minor groin injury that we are managing to get him to Oct. 4 so he can play," coach Paul MacLean said. "We're just making sure he's ready to play the opener, which is more important than an exhibition game." The Senators don't want to risk aggravating their captain's ailment.