Borowiecki ‘feeling good,’ hopes to return to playing
Sitting out isn’t sitting well with Mark Borowiecki.
The Senators defenceman told reporters before Friday’s Game 4 against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Canadian Tire Centre that he is hopeful he could be back in this series, depending on how long the Eastern Conference final goes.
Borowiecki, who’s been out since Game 2 of Ottawa’s first-round series against the Boston Bruins with a leg injury he suffered after slamming into the boards, was a full participant in the Senators’ optional skate Friday morning and indicated he’s taken major steps toward recovery.
“It seems to have turned the corner the last little bit,” Borowiecki said. “There’s still a little bit to go here, but I’m pretty happy. It’s been a long layoff, but the past few days it’s really calmed down and I’m feeling good.
“I had back-to-back good skates (Wednesday and Thursday). It’s nice to be out there, be around the guys and feel like you’re part of it.”
Borowiecki said he has to see how he feels from day to day.
“I have to see how it reacts after I push it a little bit,” said Borowiecki. “The guys are definitely giving me a chance to get back in. I’m pretty thankful and grateful.”
He never expected to be out this long, but admitted he pushed too hard to get back during Round 2 against the New York Rangers.
Borowiecki said he hated being sidelined the night Tanner Glass went after Kyle Turris in New York.
The Senators medical staff had to tell him to give the leg time to rest and recover.
“It didn’t feel good when it happened,” said Borowiecki.
“When we figured out what was going on, I knew it was going to be a little bit longer. I don’t think I did myself any favours towards the end of the Boston series and the start of the New York series, I was getting a little antsy and I pushed, pushed, pushed.
“I had it in my head I was coming back this game and then maybe I’d do a little more damage and then I’d say ‘I’m back this game’ and I think I set myself back a bit.”