Anton Volchenkov, who was struck in the mouth by the puck during Sunday's game, didn't participate in Monday's practice. Volchenkov apparently wanted to be on the ice, but was told not to so he exercised on a stationary bike instead. We'll err on the side of caution and list him as day-to-day for now.

Anton Volchenkov was struck in the mouth by a Tomas Plekanec slapshot with 6:48 left in the first period on Sunday, but he returned to action at the beginning of the second period. He had to helped off the ice by medical trainer Rich Stinziano and teammate Ilya Kovalchuk, but after receiving three stitches on his upper lip the tough-as-nails blueliner was alright to play. "I was lucky," Volchenkov said. "It was a little bit tough in the second, but after the second intermission I felt much better and went and played. In the third period it was much, much better." The defensive-minded rearguard's fantasy value is limited to specialty categories, as he will never wow anybody with his offensive prowess. If your league credits hits and blocks, Volchenkov can get the job done though. He has 119 hits and 101 blocked shots in 51 games this season.

Anton Volchenkov netted his first goal in a New Jersey uniform on Sunday against Pittsburgh. It took him 102 games to finally find the back of the net and his teammates were elated for him on the bench. "We were real happy," coach Pete DeBoer said. "It's hard not to smile for that guy when you see how he lays his body on the line every night to win games. It was great he got the goal. I thought he was our best player in Philadelphia (Saturday afternoon) outside of (goalie Johan) Hedberg. If there was contact to be made he was the first one there to take it." Volchenkov has eight points, 111 hits and 84 blocked shots in 45 games.

New Jersey defenseman Anton Volchenkov returns to the lineup tonight at Calgary after missing four games with a right leg strain. Volchenkov was placed on Injured Reserve Saturday retroactive to Dec. 31, the date of his last game. The 29-year-old defenseman has 5 assists and is minus-7 in 34 games.

There is a very good chance Anton Volchenkov (leg) will be able to play Tuesday against Calgary. The A-Train practiced on Saturday and did not appear to have any problems with his right leg which was injured last week. Get ready to activate him.

Anton Volchenkov (leg) has been moved to the injured reserve list. Volchenkov will miss his fourth consecutive game on Saturday. However, he'll be eligible to be activated in time for Tuesday's contest, if he's healthy.

Anton Volchenkov (leg) will miss Friday's contest. Volchenkov didn't skate Friday morning. He also shouldn't be counted on to play in Saturday's contest.

Anton Volchenkov (leg) might return on Friday. It seems unlikely, given that he didn't practice on Thursday, but Devils coach Pete DeBoer didn't dismiss the possibility. Volchenkov hasn't played since December 31st.

Anton Volchenkov (leg strain) didn't practice on Thursday. Volchenkov also missed the Devils' Wednesday morning skate and the contest that followed Wednesday night. Volchenkov should be considered day-to-day for now.

Anton Volchenkov (lower-body injury) did not skate with his teammates Wednesday morning and won't play against Boston Wednesday night. FYI