Getzlaf returns after missing 19 games with broken cheekbone

The Anaheim Ducks are getting their captain back.

Ryan Getzlaf confirmed after Monday's morning skate that he'll play in the evening's game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Getzlaf hasn't played since the last time the Ducks faced the Hurricanes back on Oct. 29. He took a puck to the face in that contest and eventually required surgery to repair a fractured zygomatic bone.

The veteran forward is coming back ahead of schedule, as his original recovery timetable was "up to two months" from early November.

Getzlaf has been limited to six games this season. He has one goal and six assists.