updated 11:46 p.m. ET Jan. 31, 2004

TORONTO - Toronto Maple Leafs forward Owen Nolan returned to the lineup Saturday night for the first time in nearly a month after getting high-sticked in his left eye.

Nolan wore a protective visor, and Toronto enforcer Tie Domi also wore a visor.

Nolan has had headaches and blurred vision since Buffalo’s Jay McKee high-sticked him in a game Jan. 3. The Toronto player had laser surgery two days later and missed 12 games.

“I’m tired of sitting and watching,” he said. “Being able to play is great.”

Domi talked about wearing one after Toronto’s Darcy Tucker also sustained an eye injury after a high-stick on Jan. 20, but Domi didn’t until Saturday. Domi took it off his helmet before fighting Ottawa’s Shane Hnidy in the first period.

Domi said he probably won’t wear a visor again.

“It’s tough. At least I tried. If something happens I can explain to my wife and kids that I didn’t feel comfortable doing my job with that thing on,” Domi said. “It looks like your looking through a mirror. It’s really difficult.”

More news

Getty Images

Sharks can even series

PHT: After the Rangers and Bruins face off in Game 3 of their series (7:30 p.m. ET; Live Extra, NBCSN), the Kings and Sharks play (10 ET; Live Extra, NBCSN) Game 4 of theirs.

NBC Sports

Rangers face critical Game 3 at MSG

  With the New York Rangers down two games in their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Boston Bruins, tonight’s Game 3 is a must-win. Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg could possibly return for the game.

Headlines

• Label

PHT: Toews calls 2-1 deficit 'slap in the face'

PHT: Quenneville chides Hawks' disallowed goal

Red Wings score twice in 31 seconds

Blackhawks score on controversial play

'Hawks potential tying goal waved off

PHT: Stalberg returns to Hawks' lineup for Game 3

PHT: Senators sneak past Penguins in OT

Highlights: Senators 2, Penguins 1