Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza, who has missed his team’s last two games, will undergo back surgery on a herniated disc Friday. The procedure could sideline him for the next two months — and maybe longer.
Club general manager Bryan Murray confirmed Thursday morning that the procedure will take place and that there is no time frame for Spezza’s return, Sportsnet’s Ian Mendes reports.
Spezza injured his back at some point during the club’s 2-1 shootout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins Sunday.
Spezza hurt his back at some point during the Pittsburgh game. Even during the shootout goal it bothered him.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) January 31, 2013
The Senators, who defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-1 Wednesday night, have a day off from practice today. The team will fly to Raleigh, where they will play the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday.
The 29-year-old Spezza has scored two goals and three assists in his five games played this season.
The Sens (5-1-1) have continued to succeed thus far without Spezza in the lineup.
Spezza has a history of back issues. He underwent successful back surgery in the summer of 2006 but missed games late in the 2007 season after re-injuring his while carrying groceries.
Spezza played a key role in helping the Senators make the playoffs last season. In 2011-12, he finished fourth in league scoring with 84 points.
“He’s a guy that you can’t replace,” Kyle Turris told senatorsextra.com on Wednesday. “He’s one of the best players in the league. If we have to go without him, we have guys that step up every night. Collectively, as a team, we have to come together and find ways to win.”
The last time Spezza was out for an extended time – with shoulder injury in 2010-11 – the club won only 1 game out of the 15 he missed.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) January 31, 2013
But this time around, this club has more depth and much better goaltending to try and survive in Spezza’s absence.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) January 31, 2013
