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“Most people stricken with this disease do recover,” Payer told TSN1200 Tuesday.

The prognosis is good for the 33-year old Eaves, whose condition was caught early.

“I’m on the road to recovery,” Eaves said in a statement issued by the Ducks. “I’ve received tremendous amount of support over the last few days, most importantly from my family, friends and teammates. I’m determined to fully overcome this and return to the ice as soon as possible.”

That was soothing news to Thompson.

When told that former Senator Mike Fisher once said he didn’t think Eaves has ever had a bad day, Thompson smiled and concurred.

“It’s spot on,” said Thompson. “I don’t think there’s a more positive guy, or nicer human being you’ll every meet.”

Photo by Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS

STARTS AND STOPS: After missing the third shot he faced, just two dozen seconds into the game, Mike Condon was having a very game good in his first home start of the season. But then, in the second last minute of regulation, he made the ghastly mistake of a casual pass behind his net that Adrian Kempe intercepted and threw into the net. … A 1-1 score through two periods could have easily been 7-7 had shooters at both ends connected on their chances. Maybe even half of them. The wide open sides missed at both ends were too many to count … In the Battle of the Backups, Condon still outperformed Darcy Kuemper, who wasn’t tested nearly as often … With Craig Anderson being confirmed as the starter for next Monday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, Condon is going to get one of the next two games – most likely Friday in New Jersey. And the Senators will have just as much of a chance to win that as if Anderson between the pipes … Erik Karlsson made the save of the night with about a minute left in OT when he stuff Anze Kopitar’s chance at the open net … Derick Brassard lost the draw to Adrian Kempe on the Kings first period goal. I don’t know a lot about Kempe – a first round pick in 2014 who has now played 34 NHL games – but he must be good because they gave him a star player’s number (nine) to wear … Wasn’t sure if Alec Martinez’ point shot went off Mark Stone’s stick. After watching the replay, I’m still not. There is a chance Condon just missed it .