"Pascal Leclaire celebrated his 28th birthday Sunday.

At this point, that's about all he has to smile about.

With the Senators finally above .500 and goalie Brian Elliott on a roll, it would be surprising to see Leclaire make his return from his latest injury Tuesday against the visiting Thrashers.

The Senators don't want to tinker with much as they ride a three-game winning streak, and that would include Elliott, who has started 11 straight games and has gotten better during that stretch.

That leaves Leclaire, who has been good to go since last week after being cleared to return from a groin injury, to sit and wait.

It's not the position Leclaire wants to be in during the final year of his contract before he can become an unrestricted free agent.

"It's a bit like last year. I felt good all week. I'll wait my turn," said Leclaire, who has dressed as the backup for the last three games. "I cannot control (the situation). It's the (coach's decision) that will allow me to return to the game."