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Scott Niedermayer to return for Ducks

Dec 16, 2007 - 2:21 PM San Jose (17-10-4) at Anaheim (15-15-4) 8:00 pm EST

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - Scott Niedermayer makes his return to the ice when the Anaheim Ducks host the San Jose Sharks on Sunday

After missing the first two months while he contemplated retirement, Nidermayer announced December 5 that he would return.

The Ducks are going to need the defenseman and reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner if they hope to slow down the Western Conference's best road team.

San Jose is 11-3-2 on the road this season and has won five straight away from home.

Center Joe Thornton leads the team with 13 goals and 25 assists. The 28-year-old Canadian has 14 points in his last eight games.

Anaheim has lost three of its past four, including a 5-2 defeat to the Minnesota Wild on Friday.

Center Ryan Getzlaf leads the Ducks with 23 assists and 36 points, while right wing Corey Perry has tallied 17 goals for the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Anaheim has two shootout victories over San Jose this season, with the most recent one coming on November 17.

The Sharks play three of their next four games against the Ducks in the span of six days, with the next two games being played in San Jose later in the week.