Hoffman likely out through weekend with groin injury

The Ottawa Senators aren't expecting to have Mike Hoffman in the lineup in either of their next two games.

Head coach Guy Boucher ruled Hoffman out of Friday's road game against the Carolina Hurricanes and didn't seem confident that his star forward would be available for Sunday's contest in Sunrise against the Florida Panthers.

"(Hoffman is) legitimately injured, and I don't even know if he can play this weekend," Boucher told reporters Friday. "Right now, I'm not too optimistic about it."

The head coach confirmed Hoffman is dealing with a groin ailment, and emphasized the need to take a cautious approach despite the Senators' pursuit of first place in the Atlantic Division.

"Groin injuries can be deadly in the sense that you think you're OK and all of the sudden, you push a little bit and you snap it and then you're gone for three weeks, and that's exactly what we don't want (with him).

"If we have to sit him out for three (or) four games (to) make sure that we have him for the next month, then that's what we have to do."

Hoffman was hurt in Sunday's loss to the Winnipeg Jets and missed Tuesday's win over the New Jersey Devils.

Boucher said Mark Stone, who was injured Sunday on a headshot by Jacob Trouba that got the Jets defenseman suspended two games, is doubtful for Friday night. He also missed Tuesday night's victory.