Sharks' Marc-Edouard Vlasic: Will return for Game 1

Vlasic (lower body) will return to action Thursday for Game 1 of San Jose's first-round playoff series against the Kings, NHL.com's Eric Gilmore reports.

Vlasic's return to action couldn't come at a better time for San Jose, as the Sharks will hope that the 29-year-old blueliner can step in and be a key contributor in the team's tough first-round matchup with the Kings. The 2005 second-round pick has been great this season, notching eight goals and 31 assists with a plus-15 rating over 67 games. Those participating in playoff pools should definitely take a look at Vlasic when making their selections.