"Pascal Leclaire is inching closer to a return.
The Senators goaltender returned to the ice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a groin injury last Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes at home.
He didn't skate with equipment on, but is making progress. There is no timetable for his return, but coach Coach Clouston revealed that Leclaire may have suffered a small tear.
"It's still a injury that you can't really predict. It's almost a day-by-day situation," said Clouston. "He progressed and did some things (Thursday). If he comes out of the skate properly, he just keeps advancing. Hopefully, he won't be much longer."
Goalie Brian Elliott is expected to start against the Sabres Friday in Buffalo ahead of rookie Robin Lehner. That decision won't be announced until after the morning skate at the HSBC Arena. "
