Alfredsson returns to Senators' lineup for Game 3

4/14/2008 6:38 PM

OTTAWA (AP) -Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson was a surprising addition to the Senators' lineup Monday night for Game 3 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Alfredsson had not played since he was injured in Toronto on April 3 and had not practiced with his teammates before taking the pre-game warmup prior to Game 3. The Penguins won the first two games of the series.

Senators GM and coach Bryan Murray said after Monday's morning skate that the decision to return was Alfredsson's to make.

``He's the boss,'' Murray said. ``If he feels he can play then he's in.''

Alfredsson was given a standing ovation from the Scotiabank Place crowd when he came onto the ice for his first shift 42 seconds in, and another 6:52 in when the public address announcer advised the crowd that Alfredsson was taking part in his 100th career playoff game.

The 35-year-old Swede injured his knee and an undisclosed upper body part when he was hit by Maple Leafs forward Mark Bell late in the season. Alfresson made his first appearance on the ice Sunday evening, on his own and long after his teammates had left Scotiabank Place following their practice.

Jason Spezza was also in the Senators' lineup for Game 3. He took part in Monday's morning skate after missing practice Saturday and Sunday because of a leg injury he suffered in Friday's 5-3 loss in Pittsburgh.

Veteran Penguins left wing Gary Roberts did not play Monday because of a groin injury.