Sens' Zaitsev back in COVID-19 protocol hours after coming off list

The Ottawa Senators returned defenseman Nikita Zaitsev to COVID-19 protocol Saturday night after taking him off the list in the morning.

Zaitsev was initially activated two days after landing in the protocol. He was Ottawa's ninth player on the list at the time.

Senators forward Drake Batherson tested positive Saturday but was cleared to play in the evening's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins after having more tests, according to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch.

Jacob Bernard-Docker is making his season debut in place of Zaitsev.

Forward Shane Pinto and blue-liner Artem Zub are also in the lineup after coming into the contest as game-time decisions due to injuries.