Daniel Alfredsson has setback

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KANATA, Ontario -- Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson, who suffered a concussion on Saturday in Game 2 of the opening-round playoff series against the New York Rangers, suffered a setback after Monday's morning skate, coach Paul MacLean confirmed on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old veteran sat out Monday's match -- a 1-0 shutout loss to the Rangers -- and doesn't look as if he will be available for Wednesday's Game 4.

Although Alfredsson told reporters Monday morning he was feeling better after Carl Hagelin's hit in Game 2, some symptoms resurfaced prior to Ottawa's first home game of the series.

Hagelin was suspended three games for the hit, which NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan called "a reckless strike to the side of Alfredsson's head."

MacLean did not rule out Alfredsson for Wednesday, but it appears unlikely he will play.

"He's the captain of the team, the most experienced player on the team," MacLean said. "It's a big loss for any team."

Alternate captain Jason Spezza, who along with top winger Milan Michalek has been held without a goal in the first three games, said the loss of Alfredsson in Game 3 was a prime opportunity for other players to step up.

"Our depth is as strong as it has been in a long time," he said after Tuesday's practice at Scotiabank Place. "That said, you can't replace a veteran like Daniel Alfredsson."

Alfredsson missed five games earlier this season with a concussion after a questionable hit from then-Rangers forward Wojtek Wolski in the two clubs' first meeting on Oct. 29.

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Katie Strang

ESPNNewYork.com

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Katie Strang covers the Rangers, Islanders and Devils for ESPNNewYork.com. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
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