Handful of Ottawa Senators players will miss upcoming Tampa Bay game due to flu

A bout of the flu is making its way through players of the Ottawa Senators, forcing the team to cancel practice.

Practice was scheduled for Monday, February 28, however, because of the bug making its way from player to player, the medical staff thought it was best to forego practice.

“We got eight or nine guys down with it,” coach D.J. Smith said in a video posted to the team's Twitter. “Four, five played the other night who felt worse throughout the night, and a bunch yesterday.”

The players who are healthy, he said, will do something active at the arena today and then resume with a morning skate on Tuesday.

“We decided to cancel practice today. The medical staff thought that was best. Obviously, we have some sort of bug going through the team.” #Sens head coach D.J. Smith with an update ⬇️ #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/M58JANNRou

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) February 28, 2022

Smith would not disclose the names of everyone who was dealing with the flu, but Thomas Chabot called it “one of the worst 24 hours.”

“Everything came back around, obviously, and I think it kind of feels better this morning,” he said in another video posted to the team's Twitter. “It's about getting some food and liquids back into me.”

Chabot even revealed that he lost 13 lbs. because of his battle with the bug. 

Despite the weight loss, Chabot said he's feeling better and will be ready to go for Tuesday's game.

“I'm feeling good. It was one of the worst 24 hours. But everything came back around and feels better this morning.”

Hear more from Thomas Chabot ⬇️ #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/4xCoxWIoO8

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) February 28, 2022

“If there's a standings for adversity and dealing with sickness, we're on top of her,” Smith added. “But it is what it is and you keep going. We've battled through 10 games in 16 days and I thought we did a good job with all the guys we had out.”

If things don't improve before the team's next scheduled game on Tuesday, March 1 against the Lighting in Tampa Bay, then, Smith said, they may have to call up some players from the farm team.

However, that will be a conversation he will have with general manager Pierre Dorion later today.

“We'll get back to normal, but there can't be excuses – we'll be ready when the puck drops.”