SUNRISE, Fla. -- The Florida Panthers return to action Wednesday for the first time since the accidental throat slashing of forward Richard Zednick.

The Panthers host Montreal at the Bank Atlantic Center.

Zednik and his wife, Jessica, issued a joint statement Wednesday thanking everyone for their support after the injury on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres, according to the Sports Network.

Zednik, 32, was cut during the third period when Panther captain Olli Jokinen was upended and his skate swung up, hitting Zednik in the right side of the neck, nearly severing his carotid artery. He underwent emergency surgery and required five units of blood.

"On behalf of Richard and our entire family, I want to thank the fans, his teammates, the Panthers and Sabres organizations, plus so many others for their prayers and well wishes," Jessica Zednik said. "I especially want to thank the medical staff involved in his care and the Buffalo General Hospital for their tremendous support during this difficult time.

"Richard continues to improve and we are encouraged each day. We thank you for respecting our privacy and would ask everyone to continue to keep Richard in their thoughts over the next few days."

On Tuesday, Zednik was upgraded to good condition and moved from the intensive care unit to a private room at the hospital.

Dr. Sonya Noor, Zednik's attending surgeon, said the player should be discharged over the next 48 to 72 hours.