Oates’ Game Is on the Mend

CHICAGO -- Last season, Adam Oates led the NHL with 64 assists but he has only five this season with the Mighty Ducks, heading into tonight’s game at Chicago.

But Oates, who ranks third in assists among active NHL players, knows it’s going to take time for him to get his total game back after sitting out 15 games following hand surgery Oct. 26.

“It feels good to be back,� said Oates, who has two points in five games since returning to the Mighty Duck lineup Nov. 27 against Phoenix. “My game is slowly coming back.�

Because Oates shoots right-handed and his injury was to his left hand, making plays with his backhand has given him some problems.

“I’m still a little hesitant,� said Oates. “But it’s coming around.�

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After scoring 11 power-play goals in 2001-02, captain Paul Kariya already has eight in 27 games this season.

Coach Mike Babcock believes that Kariya’s strong start is a result of being more aggressive in five-on-five situations.

“When Paul pushes the pace and is on people forechecking, he’s so effective,� Babcock said. “When he’s being involved in the play and guys are hacking him because he’s that involved, that’s good.�

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TONIGHT

at Chicago, 5:30 PST

TV -- Fox Sports Net 2

Site -- United Center.

Radio -- KPLS (830).

Records -- Ducks 9-9-6-3, Blackhawks 11-11-3-0.

Record vs. Blackhawks -- 1-0-0-0.

Update -- Goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere, who made 27 saves in a 3-2 victory over Chicago last week at Arrowhead Pond, is expected to start tonight for the Ducks. He did not play Wednesday at Buffalo. Defenseman Ruslan Salei is questionable after sitting out three of the last four games because of an injury to his back and abdomen. Chicago may be without defenseman Boris Mironov, who left the team early this week because he wants to be traded.