SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The San Jose Sharks activated star center Joe Thornton from injured reserve and placed defenseman Mirco Mueller on the injured list prior to Saturday's 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers.
Thornton recorded one shot on goal and was minus-3 in 17:40 of ice time.
"It was a competitive game. It really was," Thornton said, according to the San Jose Mercury News, who reported that Thornton said he felt comfortable in his return. "It felt like we got our chances, and they got their chances. Our compete level was high. It was a good hockey game."
He had missed four games with a shoulder injury after taking a hard hit from Anaheim defenseman Clayton Stoner on Dec. 31. Thornton had played 319 consecutive games before the injury.
He has nine goals and 24 assists this season.
Mueller has not played for the Sharks since being allowed to play in the World Junior Championships for Switzerland.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.