Dominik Hasek had reason to smile as the Senators left Ottawa International Airport for Buffalo yesterday. Hasek said he's close to being able to return to the lineup Photo: T. Anderson/OSHC

by Todd Anderson

The Ottawa Senators will attempt to cut into the Sabres' 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals tonight in Buffalo. After going winless at Scotiabank Place to start the series, coach Bryan Murray projects a solid effort in Game 3.

"We're going to play like the Ottawa Senators are capable of playing," Murray said. "If we do, we'll be fine. Getting the first goal seems to be a trigger point. We just have to play honest early. If we can do that -- play real hard and play real honest early -- then we'll figure out over the course of the game how we're going to end up winning."

Murray feels his team can find a way to solve Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller, who recorded 43 saves in a 2-1 win in Game 2.

"We played hard and we had lots of chances (in Game 2). They got a good goaltending performance. Now we just have to do something about that and find a way to put some pucks past this kid. I believe we will."

Injury report

For Buffalo, www.sabres.com is reporting that Tim Connolly will not play in Game 3. He left 58 seconds into Game 2 after receiving a booming open-ice check from Senators winger Peter Schaefer.

Hasek back on the ice

Senators goaltender Dominik Hasek, who has been out of the lineup since February with an adductor muscle strain, also participated in the full pre-game skate on Wednesday. The veteran goaltender said he's feeling much better after practising for a second straight day.

"I feel like a goalie again," Hasek said. "I am the closest I have been. I can do everything. I can go up and down. I can jump and I can move around."