Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson back on ice after disc repairing surgery –NHL News Update
Ottawa Senators might have made a lot of changes following one of the worst National Hockey League (NHL) regular seasons in history, but Tuesday, August 16, brought more good news for the struggling Canadian franchise as captain Daniel Alfredsson returned
to the ice and skated for the first time since having back surgery in order to repair a disc and nerve issue in June.
It might not have been a lot, but it was certainly more than the team could have expected for at this time and stage.
"It felt good to get back on the ice today", Alfredsson told the team's website. "I was on for maybe an hour, an hour [and] 20 [minutes]. We did some drills, and played a little bit of scrimmage. It was fun. I was tired, but everything held up well and the
back felt fine".
The surgery was carried out much later than the time Alfredsson had actually sustained the injury which led him to end the 2010-2011 regular season much earlier in February. Due to the diagnostic process and other tests which were being carried out since,
doctors wished to use the option of surgery as a last resort tool.
Not having been on the ice for over two months, making a comeback is always an extremely sensitive and gradual process, which Ottawa Senators realise that it may not mean Alfredsson will return immediately and are willing to wait.
"Obviously, the first time on the ice is always a struggle", Alfredsson said. "But, for being the first time, it felt good, and I'll be back out skating (on) Thursday again".
Last season brought career lows for the veteran 38-year-old right winger, as he was limited to playing only 54 games and managed to contribute 31 points (14 goals, 17 assists), something which he has not done since the 1998-1999 season.
Being a 70 point plus contributor, the Gothenburg, Sweden native, is certain that he eventually will return regularly not only to the ice, but also to regular season matchups and hopefully next season, the postseason as well.
Tags: