Winger Alexander Ovechkin, who was limping after a 5-0 loss Monday in Raleigh, N.C., was on the ice for eight minutes at Scotiabank Place, left the ice for treatment and told reporters he wasn't sure if he's going to be able to play.

"I wasn't feeling well. We'll see how I feel tonight," said Ovechkin, who refused to shed any light on his injury and has been inconsistent all season.

That could be a big break for the Senators.

Returning to Scotiabank Place on a three-game winning streak, the Senators are winless (0-2-1) vs. Washington this season and they've been outscored

10-6 in those outings. That trend has to change.

"They've been good games," said captain Daniel Alfredsson. "They're a team that everybody thought would be higher up in the standings. I think they're searching for their identity.

"Every team that plays them doesn't want to be the team that allows them to get it going again. They have so many good players and skilled players that if you're not prepared to play hard against them, they're going to hurt you." Coach Paul MacLean won't make any changes. Centre Zenon Konopka and defenceman Matt Carkner will be scratched for the fourth straight game.

Goalie Craig Anderson will make the start.