Apr 16, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Guillaume Latendresse (73) and Carolina Hurricanes centre Jiri Tlusty (19) chase the puck in the second period at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Benoit was skating along with Chris Phillips on the blue line, in the place of Eric Gryba.  Gryba has not been ruled out for Friday, but was unable to practice with the team Thursday, so he will be a game time decision.

Up front, Guillaume Latendresse looks like he might draw into the spot occupied by Matt Kassian alongside Zack Smith and Chris Neil.  Latendresse is a curious choice, since he didn’t do much when he was in the lineup against Montreal, and while he adds a bit more offensive upside, he doesn’t add to the speed of the physicality of the team.

Not that I think Kassian should be in the lineup still, but there are a number of options in the Black Aces group that are able to step in and add some speed along with an offensive presence.  Mark Stone might not be the best skater on the planet, but I would rather have him in the lineup.  Or any of Matt Puempel, Stefan Noesen, Shane Prince and Stephane DaCosta would be an option.  And don’t forget about Jim O’Brien and Peter Regin, who must be chomping at the bit to get into the lineup after being out so long as a scratch.

Throwing one of those players might give the emotional boost that would help the Senators get even in the series and come home with a win, and perhaps a Jason Spezza sighting on Sunday in game 3.

Erik Karlsson skates! Less than 2 months after slicing his achilles, Karlsson looked very good in a workout this am with MarcPower. #cbcott

— Dan Séguin (@SeguinSports) April 8, 2013

Even if Karlsson can’t get back before the playoffs, his return to the ice should at least bolster the mood of his teammates who haven’t had a lot of positive lately.

Feb 12, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) is nominated as the second star in game against the Buffalo Sabres at Scotiabank Place. The Senators defeated the Sabres 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Karlsson getting on the ice, means he could concievably return at some point, but it is too early to put a timetable on it.