Injuries could force Senators into changes

The Ottawa Senators could have a different looking lineup in Game 1 of the Eastern final.

Though coach Guy Boucher doesn’t usually change a winner, a couple of players were noticeable absentees from practice at the Canadian Tire Centre before the Senators left for Pittsburgh on Thursday afternoon.

Winger Viktor Stalberg, who left Tuesday’s 4-2 win over the New York Rangers in Game 6 at Madison Square Garden, wasn’t on the ice, and Boucher was only “hopeful” he’ll be ready to suit against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the PPG Paints Arena.

If Stalberg can’t play, then Ryan Dzingel will likely move into his spot.

Veteran forward Chris Neil, used as a deterrent in the final two games against the Rangers, was nursing in an injury in Game 6 and had the day off. There was no word on whether he’ll be available and Tommy Wingels took Neil’s spot on the fourth line.

“Every game, even if it’s against the same team, I’m always open for changes to get the mix that we need for the identity we want to have,” said Boucher.

There was some good news on the injury front. Defenceman Mark Borowiecki, who hasn’t played since Game 2 of the club’s series against the Boston Bruins, could be back midway through the series.

The Senators have missed Borowiecki’s presence but they’ve been fortunate that Fredrik Claesson and Ben Harpur have both been able to fill in.

“Guys have come in and filled in the gap when we’ve been missing him but I think the guys have responded very well,” said defenceman Marc Methot. “You never like to miss a guy like Boro in the lineup but he’s injured and we have to deal with it.” bgarrioch@postmedia.com Twitter: @sungarrioch