NHL Buzz: Batherson returns for Senators against Panthers

Welcome to the NHL Buzz. Throughout the 2021-22 season, NHL.com will have you covered with the latest news.

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Ottawa Senators

Drake Batherson played for the Senators against the Florida Panthers on Saturday. The forward had not played since Jan. 25 because of an ankle injury.
"Really excited to get back, it was two months yesterday since the injury," Batherson said. "Obviously been out a long time and just looking forward to getting back in the lineup."
Batherson scored 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) in 31 games and was selected to the NHL All-Star Game but couldn't play because of the injury.
"We're well aware Drake's out most creative player, most offensive player when it comes to distributing the puck, the ability to score, the ability to make plays in traffic." Senators coach D.J. Smith said. "We know, going forward, where we have Drake slotted. It'll take a little bit to get going, but it's good to have him back."

Anaheim Ducks

Ryan Getzlaf played for the Ducks at the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.
The forward has missed nine games with a lower-body injury and the Ducks are 1-6-2. Their captain also missed two games in February and five games in December with a lower-body injury.
Getzlaf scored 31 points (three goals, 28 assists) in 47 games this season and was second on the Ducks in assists behind forward Trevor Zegras (31).
Forward Troy Terry and defenseman Josh Mahura played after each missed a 4-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday with a non-COVID-19 illness. Goalie Lukas Dostal started after being recalled from San Diego of the American Hockey League on Wednesday. -- Chelena Goldman

Tampa Bay Lightning

Ryan McDonagh is out indefinitely for the Lightning with an upper-body injury.
The defenseman was injured blocking a shot in the third period of a 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Thursday.
McDonagh scored 21 points (three goals, 18 assists) in 60 games this season. He was second on the Lightning in ice time per game (22:36) behind Victor Hedman (25:20) and led them in blocked shots (116).
Defenseman Cal Foote took McDonagh's place and played 10:58 in a 2-1 overtime win against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

Montreal Canadians

Jeff Petry is out indefinitely for the Canadiens with a lower-body injury.
The defenseman was injured in a 4-3 loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday, when he played 13:18, including one shift in the third period.
Petry scored 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 57 games this season.
Forward Brendan Gallagher is out one week with a lower-body injury. He has not played since March 17, a 4-3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars, and missed his fourth game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.
Gallagher scored 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in 43 games this season.
Forward Jonathan Drouin is out indefinitely with an upper-body injury and was placed on injured reserve Friday. Drouin did not play Thursday because he was in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Drouin played two games since returning from a wrist injury that caused him to miss 22 games.

Dallas Stars

Miro Heiskanen took part in the morning skate with the Stars but did not play against the Vancouver Canucks.
The defenseman has missed 11 games since being diagnosed with mononucleosis and hadn't skated with the team since March 8.
Heiskanen scored 29 points (four goals, 25 assists) in 52 games this season and led Dallas with an average ice time of 24:46 per game.
He could return during a four-game road trip that begins at the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday.
"He's going to come on the trip with us," Stars coach Rick Bowness said. "We are going to give him another test tomorrow morning on the ice, see how he is doing. At least we are now day to day and are getting a lot closer to him playing."