The 38-year-old center hasn't played since injuring his right knee Jan 23 against the Winnipeg Jets and having surgery two days later. Thornton has been ruled out for Game 1 against the Ducks at Honda Center on Thursday (10:30 p.m. ET; USA, SN360, TVAS-2, NBCSCA, PRIME), but not for Game 2 on Saturday, and he said he thinks there's a possibility he can return during the series.

SAN JOSE -- Joe Thornton took part in a full practice with the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday and anticipates returning during their Western Conference First Round series against the Anaheim Ducks.

"I think so," said Thornton, who planned to make the trip to Anaheim. "I hope so. I just don't know when, but I'm hoping to get in at some point."

[RELATED: Complete Ducks vs. Sharks series coverage]

Thornton played the final four games in San Jose's first-round playoff loss to the Edmonton Oilers last season with two torn ligaments in his left knee. This time, he wants to make sure his injured knee is strong enough to withstand a long playoff run.

"I don't want to come in and not feel great and come out of the lineup," Thornton said. "If I'm going to go into the lineup, I've got to know I'm prepared to play 28 games. That's my mindset. I can't come in and look at the trainers and say midway through the second [period], 'I can't go any longer.' When I go in the lineup, I've got to stick in the lineup and play well and help out this team."

Thornton had 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) in 47 games before the injury. He scored seven goals on the power play, tied for second on the Sharks with Joe Pavelski. Thornton has 1,427 NHL points (397 goals, 1,030 assists), 16th on the all-time scoring list and 12th in assists.

Thornton said his return will be dictated solely by the health of his knee, not by the Sharks' position in the series.

"That's all it's about," he said. "If it continues to make strides forward, I'll get back here. If not, I'll be a little later. As of right now it's coming along real nice."

Coach Peter DeBoer was asked if there's been any talk about trying to extend San Jose's playoff run as long as possible to give Thornton a better chance to return.

"I think that's in the back of everyone's mind," DeBoer said. "They see how hard he works and what he's doing. That's on the horizon if we can play long enough. It's not something that we talk about, but I'm sure that enters everyone's mind in that dressing room when they see him out there working."