The Anaheim Ducks got a boost from the return of their captain, Ryan Getzlaf, who tallied three assists in a 4-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Getzlaf was sidelined for four games following an appendectomy.
Corey Perry chipped in three assist as well.
“I felt good,” Getzlaf said. “All I can really say is that when you get out there and play hockey, it feels good.”
Their third straight win got the Ducks out of the cellar of the Pacific Division.
“He’s (Getzlaf) the straw that stirs the drink around here,” defenseman Cam Fowler said. “Guys feed off of his energy and his playmaking ability. He’s the type of guy that makes everyone else around him a better player by being out there.”
The Ducks need contributions from Perry and Getzlaf to continue to put distance between now and the dreadful start to the season.
“They’re the key to our team,” Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau said. “They’re two important pieces to the puzzle, and your best players have got to be your best players. When they are, you usually succeed.”
Curtis McElhinney made 30 saves in the loss.
“We’re starting to head in the right direction in terms of the identity that we want to establish,” McElhinney said. “Guys are making that extra commitment that we need to make. It’s just a matter of building on it night in and night out. We did some good things here in the first couple games, and I thought even tonight. It’s just a matter at taking that next step to close out a trip.”
Frederik Andersen  made 34 saves for the Ducks.
Fowler, Patrick Maroon, Josh Manson, and Clayton Stoner scored for the Ducks.
Scott Hartnell scored twice for the Blue Jackets.
“I am not down on our team by any means,” Jackets coach John Tortorella said. “I don’t think our top guys are consistent enough, and that has to change. But as far as the try, we still have a chance there.”
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