Anton Volchenkov.

BY IAN MENDES
sportsnet.ca

Anton Volchenkov is hoping to return to the Senators lineup on Thursday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, just five days after he suffered a punishing accidental hit from his own teammate.

Volchenkov suffered an upper body injury after he was accidentally hit by Andy Sutton on Saturday night against the Florida Panthers.

"I'm looking for tomorrow to see how it feels after the morning skate. After the morning skate, I'll tell them how I feel. Feels much better than a couple of days ago," Volchenkov said on Wednesday morning after skating along with injured teammate Milan Michalek.

The rugged defenceman missed the team's 5-4 overtime win over the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night.

He said he doesn't have any recollection of the hit from Sutton, who was trying to hit Panthers forward Stephen Weiss in front of the Ottawa net.

"I don't really remember. I've seen the replay, but that's hockey. Sutts was trying to hit the Florida player and I didn't really see him coming."

Volchenkov's sense of humour didn't take a hit in the nasty collision. Asked whether he owes Sutton a little payback for that hit, he jokingly responded, "Maybe in a practice, but not in a game."

Head coach Cory Clouston was also optimistic that Volchenkov could return for Thursday's home date with the Hurricanes.

As for Michalek, Clouston said there is no new update and they are still anticipating that the winger will be able to return before the end of the regular season.

NOTES: The Senators re-assigned forward Zack Smith to the AHL's Binghamton Senators on Wednesday.