"The swelling has gone down in Jason Spezza's injured shoulder and, as expected, the prognosis isn't as bad as it could have been.

Coach Cory Clouston said Spezza will not need surgery and it's hoped he'll return to the lineup in 4-6 weeks.

"Before, it was longer than that, but each day there's a little more optimism," said Clouston. "At first we were trying to see if he needed surgery and right now it doesn't appear that way, so that's a positive."

The Senators have lost all three games and scored just four goals — three in one night — since Spezza went down.

"Obviously, we've lost a pretty important part," said Clouston. "The last two games have been all about trying to find the players to fill in those roles and sometimes it's easier said than done. When you're under the gun and you don't have much of a cushion to work with, it's more difficult. "