HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) _ Alexei Yashin played his first game for Ottawa in 507 days Friday night, assisting on a goal in the Senators' 2-2 exhibition tie with the Florida Panthers.

The Russian center, who sat out last season in a contract dispute, was booed every time he touched the puck during the preseason opener for both teams.

``I can't control their reaction,'' Yashin said. ``What I can do is play as hard as I can and do the best I can.''

The biggest outburst came on his second shift of the game when he assisted on Karel Rachunek's goal.

``You're always nervous before a game about your performance and about team play,'' Yashin said. ``It's going to be the same as any other game.''

Yashin will not play Saturday night in Ottawa against Edmonton.

Shane Hnidy also scored for the Senators. Pavel Bure and Denis Shvidki scored for the Panthers.