There was a brief panic in Senators Nation this morning afterr numerous reports out of the Canadian Tire Centre that Jason Spezza - the team's newly minted Captain who was expected to centre the Senators top line with Milan Michalek and Bobby Ryan for tonight's pre-season matchup in Montreal - was not on the ice for practice. His spot was being taken by Stephane Da Costa in the morning drills.

The team reacted quickly to say that Spezza was going to be skating with the second 'non game-day' group later on in the morning and isn't hurt.

Senators fans have every reaason to be antsy. Spezza missed the majority of last year after back surgery, and has had nagging back issues for a large portion of his career. In his last healthy season, however, he ranked 4th in the league overall for points. High expectations for the Senators season have been based, in no small part, on Spezza being healthy to start the year. His apparent health, elevation to the captaincy, and need to vindicate himself after being left off the list for Team Canada's Olympic selection camp has many Sens fans hoping for another tremendous season from Spezza.