Senators center Jason Spezza is champing at the bit in anticipation of his return to the lineup against Pittsburgh Sunday. "I feel good," said Spezza. "One of the worst things you can do as an athlete is watch your teammates battle (and not be able to help). There have been some frustrating times for me in the process. Hockey-wise, it's been one of the longest years in my career, just trying to get back. You can't replicate the ups and downs, the intensity and the excitement. To sit at home and watch playoff games is pretty tough." Spezza only managed to suit up for five regular season contests before he was sidelined by a back injury that eventually required surgery to correct. He has not seen game action since January 27th.

Jason Spezza (back) is projected to play alongside Milan Michalek in his return on Sunday. Spezza's other linemate might be Colin Greening. Spezza is looking to help the Ottawa Senators stay alive after losing their first two games of their second-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. "I'm excited to have a chance to play again," he said. "I feel ready to play."

Jason Spezza (back) is ready to return to the Senators' lineup. Look for Spezza to play on the top line in Game 3 on Sunday. The Ottawa Senators are down 2-0 in their second-round series against Pittsburgh, but getting Spezza back will be a huge boost. Although the Senators still might not make it past this round, he will help plenty of fantasy owners in playoff pools in the short term.

Jason Spezza (back) joined the Senators for Saturday's practice. It looks like Spezza is skating on the first line, which will just fuel the speculation that he could return on Sunday. For now he should still be regarded as questionable for that game, but this is a very good sign.

Jason Spezza (back) might be available for Game 3 on Sunday. Spezza reportedly doesn't have medical clearance yet, so there are still hurdles for him to overcome. "He continues to skate on a daily basis and makes progress," said Senators coach Paul MacLean. "We'll go through practice (Saturday) and the pre-game skate and we'll see where it is. If he's available to us, it's Jason Spezza, we're going to have him in the lineup." Spezza was limited to just five regular season games.

Jason Spezza isn't ready to return from his surgically repaired back yet, but there's plenty of anticipation and speculation that he's not far away from playing again. Coach Paul MacLean attempted to temper those expectations on Wednesday when he spoke to the media. "I think Jason still has some hurdles to get over before we get to that point with him coming in to say he's ready to play, that we (the coaches and medical staff) would allow him to play," said the Ottawa bench boss. "Right now, he's in Ottawa and he's skating. We're here and we're going to play Game 2." He isn't expected to play Friday.

Jason Spezza (back) is not expected to play in the first two games of the Senators' second-round series. The center didn't travel with the team to Pittsburgh, staying home in Ottawa to workout and continue to get into shape. He hasn't played since Jan. 27 due to surgery on a herniated disc. It seems as if he's very close to returning and it wouldn't be a shock to see him back sometime in this series.

Jason Spezza (back) isn't making any predictions or promises for a possible return to the lineup against Pittsburgh in the second round of the playoffs. There's no timetable for a return to game action and a decision hasn't been made yet if he'll travel with the team to Pittsburgh for Game 1. "I want to play, I want to back out there," Spezza said. "I don't want to have any pain. I wish I could the play the next game. It's all going to be about how I respond. I've got to push myself. That's why we're really going to try and push forward in the next three days. It might tell me that it's not time to play and it might respond real well, but I would be lying if I tried to give you a straight answer (on a return date)."

Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza was on the ice with his teammates at practice this morning for the first time since having back surgery. The star center appeared in only five games this season, scoring two goals and adding three assists, before undergoing surgery on a herniated disc. "I'd like to see Jason on the ice. He's a good player. He's an important player for us," Sens general manager Bryan Murray said earlier this week. "He hasn't played all year though. It's a big step to throw him into a series where everybody's been playing for a long time. I hope to see him at some point in round two. Whether that will happen or not, I don't know." Spezza last played on January 27 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who will be the Sens' opponents in the second round of the playoffs. The Sens already have seen defensemen Erik Karlsson and Jared Cowen return from injuries, helping them to a first round series victory over the Montreal Canadiens in five games.

Jason Spezza (back surgery), who has been skating with non-roster players, will be re-evaluated Sunday to determine if he practice with the active Senators next week. This is more positive news from the Spezza camp. Although everyone in the Senators' organization is being cautious, it is begining to look like Spezza will be able to play sometime in Round 2. If you have a reserve spot on your playoff roster you should consider adding Spezza.