The Ottawa Senators' great start to the 2013 NHL season has taken a back seat to the news that top-line center Jason Spezza will be out for quite some time while he recovers from back surgery (via Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun).
After losing their best forward, several Senators players will need to step up and help give the team some added offensive production during Spezza's absence.
Ottawa currently ranks fifth in goals scored and sixth in power-play percentage, but maintaining this level of success won't be easy without the team's most skilled center.
Let's look at four players who must play a larger role with Spezza out of the lineup.
Kyle Turris
Young star Kyle Turris will likely become the team's No. 1 center while Spezza is injured, and if the 23-year-old forward continues to play like he has through seven games this season, head coach Paul MacLean will be a very happy man.
Turris will likely see an increase in ice time during 5-on-5 situations and on the power play, and he's certainly capable of excelling in a larger role.
He leads all Senators forwards with fo ...
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Article written by Nicholas Goss
Ottawa Senators That Need to Step Up in Jason Spezza’s Injury Absence
February 1st, 2013 by Nicholas Goss Leave a reply »
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