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Kunitz, Getzlaf lift Ducks over Oilers in Pronger's return

Nov 29, 2006 - 5:05 AM EDMONTON, Alberta (Ticker) -- Chris Kunitz and Ryan Getzlaf wound up making Chris Pronger's return to Edmonton a successful one.

Kunitz scored the tying goal late in the third period and Getzlaf netted the game-winner midway through overtime to lift the Anaheim Ducks to a 3-2 victory over the Oilers.

The Ducks improved to 5-0-1 in their last six games, while the Oilers had a six-game win streak snapped.

One of the premier defensemen in the league, Pronger helped the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Finals last season. However, the former Hart and Norris Trophy winner demanded a trade out of Edmonton immediately after the series ended and was shipped to Anaheim in a blockbuster deal over the summer.

"It was good to get the win as it's just one game out of 82, but of course everyone circled this date on their calendars," Pronger said. "And I'm happy for (Anaheim defenseman Scott) Niedermayer playing his 1,000th game, and being able to get the win for him. I know the guys worked hard for both of us tonight."

"We wanted to get the win for the two guys tonight," Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle said. "We really wanted it for Chris and Scott. It was a big game for those guys, and we wanted to play for them, and I think the team did that tonight."

Getzlaf scored the decisive goal when he picked up a loose puck at center ice, streaked into the Edmonton zone and blasted a shot that went through Oilers defenseman Ladislav Smid's legs and past screened netminder Dwayne Roloson's pads 2:19 into the extra session.

"Kunitz did a great job," Getzlaf said. "I mean (Kunitz) caused the whole play and caused the opportunity for me to have that shot. I definitely had to be shooting there, as I was passing a little too much at the end of the game. The boys were giving it to me, so it was a good play for me to end the game."

Anaheim tied it with just 17 seconds left in the third period when Kunitz picked up a rebound in the low slot and backhanded the puck past Roloson.

"Any time you give up two goals in that fashion and they tie the game with under 20 seconds left, it's disappointing," Roloson said. "I need to shut the door for that final minute to get us out of here with the win. I thought we were going to do it when we got the puck out with 30 seconds to go, but they came back, and you have to give them credit."

Kunitz has 14 goals this season, including nine in his last 12 games.

Teemu Selanne had the other goal for Anaheim, while Ryan Smyth and Marty Reasoner scored for Edmonton.

"We sat back a little too much, and it's like you're just waiting for bad things to happen," said Reasoner, who has four goals this season. "So, you are obviously disappointed when they are able to come back."

Pronger assisted on Selanne's goal when his pass from the point was deflected by Selanne from the top of the crease.

"It wasn't that bad of (a reception from) the crowd tonight," Pronger said. "Of course I heard it at the start of the game, and coming out between periods and stuff. But it's quiet then, so of course I heard it. For the most part, I thought it was respectful, which is nice."