Karlsson plans to play against Rangers

NEW YORK -- Erik Karlsson confirmed Thursday what everyone believed would be the case -- he's back in the lineup for the Ottawa Senators after missing the team's previous game with an upper-body injury.

"I feel a lot better today," Karlsson said. "It's definitely going as plan and I expect to be ready tonight."

Karlsson suffered his injury during pre-game warmups in the Sens' previous game against the Penguins on Tuesday. He was replaced by Matt Carkner, who will be a healthy scratch against the Rangers on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.

The NHL's leading scorer among defensemen said he doesn't expect his injury to be a nagging one, but he couldn't promise it wouldn't crop up again.

Coach Paul MacLean is just happy to get Karlsson back against the NHL's top team.

"Obviously he's a very important player for us," MacLean said. "He generates a lot of offense for us. He's arguably our best player. Anytime you get one of them back, it's good for your team."

Follow Dave Lozo on Twitter: @DaveLozo

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