Ottawa Senators head coach Guy Boucher is hopeful that Viktor Stalberg will be ready for Game 1 of the Sens series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Stalberg was injured in Game 6 of the team's series with the New York Rangers.

Stalberg (undisclosed) left in the second period of the Senators' 4-2 series-clinching victory on Tuesday after taking a hit from the Rangers' defenceman Dan Girardi and did not return.

The 31-year-old left-winger has two assists in the Sens' 12 playoff games. He was acquired at the trade deadline by the team from the Carolina Hurricanes.

According to TSN's Steve Lloyd, star defenceman Erik Karlsson left this morning's practice almost right away, but it is unclear why.

But according to TSN's Bruce Garrioch, it's just the usual for Karlsson as he's been nursing a lower body injury this playoffs, but hasn't missed any of the Sens' games. 

The Norris Trophy nominee has continued to be the Sens' best player throughout the team's improbable playoff run with two goals, 11 assists and a plus-eight rating in 12 games.

The Senators open the Eastern Conference Final on the road against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins on May 13.

Friday's Practice Lines - Brent Wallace, TSN

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