The San Jose Sharks' elder statesman appears to have avoided a major injury scare.
Joe Thornton said he has "no doubt" about his availability for the Game 1 of the playoffs, three days after suffering with what appeared to be a serious leg issue.
"I'm a quick healer, so just a couple days, that's all I need," he told reporters after Wednesday's practice. "Who knows? Maybe I'll play (Thursday)."
The 37-year-old forward left Sunday's game after going down awkwardly following a collision with Vancouver Canucks forward Michael Chaput near the boards in the offensive zone.
Thornton appeared to have trouble putting weight on his left leg as he left the ice Tuesday night, but said Wednesday that he'll relish having a short-term recovery period.
"I knew I was going to come back quick(ly) anyway, so a couple of days (off) before the playoffs just to rest the body's probably not a bad thing. Maybe (I'll) play (Thursday), maybe (I'll) play Saturday and then go from there."
Thornton missed his first game of the season Tuesday in a rematch between the two clubs, which finished with the same result as Sunday's contest, a 3-1 victory for San Jose.
He said Wednesday that he had an MRI and "everything looked good."
The Sharks host the Edmonton Oilers in a game with massive playoff implications Thursday night, then wrap up their regular-season schedule with a home date against the Calgary Flames on Saturday.