Ottawa Senators captain Jason Spezza sits out game in Los Angeles to rest injured groin

Ottawa captain Jason Spezza is sitting out the Senators' game at Los Angeles on Wednesday night to rest a groin injury.

Spezza was scratched by coach Paul MacLean after the morning skate at Staples Center. Ottawa is making the third stop on a season-opening six-game road trip, with back-to-back games in San Jose and Anaheim this weekend.

The seven-time 20-goal scorer missed most of last season with a back injury, and the Senators are being careful with his long-term health. Spezza was named the eighth captain in franchise history last month, replacing Daniel Alfredsson.

Stephane Da Costa replaced Spezza as the center on the Senators' top line between Milan Michalek and Bobby Ryan.