Ottawa Senators captain Jason Spezza to miss Kings game tonight

The Ottawa Senators will be without their captain Jason Spezza for Wednesday night’s game against the Kings at Staples Center.

Spezza, who has been dealing with a sore groin, came to the realization that he needed a few more days before returning to game action.

“I understand the logic of a coach,” Spezza said after Wednesday’s morning skate at Staples Center. “Me, as a player, I want to play every night. I’m wired to play. We’ve had some good discussions this morning and just decided it’s the best move for the team.

“It’s the best move to make sure hopefully this gets healed and goes away. It’s gotten better. It’s improved. We just want to make sure it’s a non-subject moving forward. I think that’s their concern, groins can nag you all season.”

It was billed as a short-term move with an eye on the long-term picture.

Still it was not an easy call for Senators Coach aul MacLean.

“The fact that we don’t want this groin injury to become chronic and be something we’re saddled with all year long,” said MacLean, whose team hopes Spezza can play Saturday at San Jose. “He’s made some great progress since the game Saturday night and we want to continue that progress going ahead.

“I think it was a diffcult process for me -- Jason is the captain of the team and he’s one of the best players. We want him to play.”

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