ll finger while preparing a

OTTAWA -- A freak accident could threaten the Ottawa Senators playoff drive. DeAndre Hopkins Jersey . Goalie Craig Anderson underwent surgery on his right hand after severing the tendon in his small finger while preparing a meal following Ottawas 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Wednesday. While the initial prognosis wasnt good, Senators general manager Bryan Murray said Friday that the situation has improved. "We were told (Thursday) it was going to be some period of time. (Friday) we got a little better news," said Murray. "As soon as he feels comfortably he can handle a stick, hell be back on the ice, probably as early as next week. "When he can handle a stick, he can probably get ready to play. Theres no time frame. Were optimistic that it wont be a long, long time." Losing Anderson for any amount of time will be difficult for the Senators (32-22-8) and their playoff hopes. Heading into Fridays action, the team sat seventh in the Eastern Conference -- six points up on eighth-place Florida and seven points ahead of Toronto. The 30-year-old Anderson has been a major reason for Ottawas success as he carried the weight of the workload. Hes played 27 of the clubs past 28 games and 56 overall, a league high, compiling a 29-19-6 record, 2.85 goals-against average and .913 save percentage in the process. "Every team goes through stretches of injuries and what not and I think weve been fairly fortunate to this point," said captain Daniel Alfredsson. "Its never ideal but we move on and you do the best with what you have. Guys usually find a way to step up when these circumstances come up so were just going to keep going. "Weve faced adversity pretty much the whole year and I dont think this will faze us." The Senators recalled Robin Lehner from the American Hockey League and will give backup Alex Auld the start Saturday against Boston. Auld has started just seven games this season, going 2-3-2 with a 3.28 GAA and a .883 save percentage. Hes made just one start since Dec. 31. "Craig is a huge part of our team and this is a tough loss for us," said Auld. "We have a group capable of playing good hockey and weve got to keep that going. Im really looking forward to (the challenge). Ive maintained all year I just want to stay sharp and be ready for the opportunity." Auld admits the fact the team is playing well right now, having won three of four, makes things a little easier. "Weve been getting contributions throughout the lineup offensively, but guys have really committed to the play in our end, the play in the neutral zone thats a huge part of our game," said Auld. "Were playing a system, playing together as a group and we expect that to continue." While Lehner is seen as the Senators goaltender of the future he hasnt had the most inspiring season. After helping the Binghamton Senators win the Calder Cup last spring, Lehner is 8-16-1 this season with a 3.38 GAA and .905 save percentage. "Its been a tough season for all of us down there," said Lehner. "Obviously it hasnt been what we all wanted it to be. This is a good opportunity and if I see the ice I just need to try to do my best and help the team." Senators coach Paul MacLean says the team will take a day-to-day approach with their goaltenders. "Were going to try to do it the same way weve done all year," said MacLean. "Were going to evaluate who were playing and based on that who gives us the best opportunity to win, just like weve done since day one." The Senators play back-to-back home games starting with the Bruins Saturday and the New York Islanders Sunday. While Murray hasnt ruled out acquiring additional help, hell have little time to make the decision with the trade deadline on Monday afternoon. "I dont know that theres anybody available," said Murray. "I hear all the other teams that are trying to get goaltenders. Im not sure the approach right now. I want to see us play here. "We have a couple games before that so let me watch." Jadeveon Clowney Texans Jersey . That four-game skid in early January seems as if its a long time ago. Kessel scored twice, James van Riemsdyk had a goal and an assist and the Maple Leafs beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-2 on Tuesday night for their sixth straight win. Kendrick Lewis Texans Jersey .com) - The Edmonton Oilers have been in spoiler mode for a while now, however as the season winds down they become more and more dangerous to opponents fighting for a playoff berth.SEATTLE -- Once Tony Wroten got word from an NBA advisory committee that hed almost assuredly be a first-round pick, the polarizing Washington freshman was headed for the pros. Wroten announced Tuesday he would declare for the NBA draft and hire an agent, ending his collegiate career after one season during which he was the Pac-12 freshman of the year but could not help the Huskies reach the NCAA tournament. "I just felt like it was the right time and I was ready and it was the best decision for me and my family," Wroten said during a conference call. "I accomplished a lot and Im ready for the next step." Wroten said he received word from the NBA draft advisory committee that hed be selected anywhere between the top 5 and about the No. 25 pick depending on how his individual workouts go. Hearing that news all but cinched Wrotens decision that even though his game still needs work, he was ready to make the NBA leap. He purposely held off on making the announcement until Tuesday, his mothers birthday. Wroten acknowledged he would have regrets if he did slip out of the first round. Various mock drafts have Wroten currently going in the latter half of the first round. Wroten made his announcement less than 48 hours after teammate Terrence Ross announced his intention to leave Washington following his sophomore season. The Huskies will now go from having one of the most talented guard pairs in the country to needing to replace the top two scorers from a team that won the Pac-12 regular-season title. Washington was also the first team from one of the six major power conferences to win a regular-season crown and not make the NCAAs. The Huskies reached the semifinals of the NIT before losing to Minnesota. "Just make the NCAA tournamennt, I wish we could have done that," Wroten said. Brian Cushing Jersey. "But at the end of the day I think everything happens for a reason and I would have loved to be in the NCAA tournament ... but I just have to move forward." Wroten was Washingtons leading scorer for most of the season, but was the subject of constant debate by fans who were thrilled by Wrotens electric ability to create his own shot but were often left shaking their heads when he struggled to make a simple play. He set Washington freshman records for scoring, assists and steals, but also had more turnovers (132) than assists (130). Wroten averaged 16 points per game for the season, just slightly behind Ross 16.4, but will need to develop an outside shot at the NBA level. Wroten shot 44 per cent for the season, although most of that shooting came from inside 12 feet. Wroten was just 9 of 56 (16 per cent) on 3-pointers and didnt make one after Jan. 28 -- a span of 14 games. Asked why he thought he was NBA ready, Wroten was succinct with his answer. "My athleticism and my court vision and my potential," he said. Hes just the second Washington freshman to declare for the draft, joining centre Spencer Hawes, who left after his only season in 2007. Wroten said he consulted with a number of local NBA players, including Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson and Isaiah Thomas, who left Washington last year after his junior season and has twice been named Western Conference rookie of the month playing for the Sacramento Kings. Thomas was the final pick in the 2011 NBA draft. "They felt like I was ready. ... They felt like I was ready now," Wroten said. "Im just happy they have my back and they were great for somebody to look up to." cheap jerseys ' ' '