About half the Senators' roster took part in Friday's "optional" practice, and that group included two players who were just happy to have the option.
One of them was goalie Andrew Hammond, who has missed eight games with a concussion. The other was Mika Zibanejad, who has missed one with concussion-like symptoms.
Both had one more hurdle to overcome before being cleared to play.
"I think Mika has the better chance Saturday," said coach Dave Cameron, referring to a home game against the New York Islanders. "But certainly in the near future, Hammy too. As long as there's no setbacks, which I don't see.