Thornton confident he'll play Game 1, but still day to day

It was a step in the right direction for Joe Thornton on Tuesday.

After practice, Thornton said he was confident he'd be ready to play in Wednesday's playoff opener against the Edmonton Oilers, but added he was still day to day with a lower-body injury.

Thornton missed the club's final three regular-season games after being forced from April 2's contest against the Vancouver Canucks.

The 37-year-old saw a dramatic dip in production this season. After posting 19 goals and 82 points last season, he managed just seven and 50, respectively. Nevertheless, Thornton and his 156 career playoff games will be relied on heavily if the team is to make another run at a Stanley Cup.