NHL Playoff

Pronger good to go

Winners of six consecutive games and 11 of their past 12, the Ducks figure to receive an additional boost Wednesday night with the anticipated return of defenseman Chris Pronger against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center.

Pronger, who has sat out the previous two games because of a broken jaw, pronounced himself ready to play after having taken part in the morning skate.

“There’s always a risk, any time you’re out there,” Pronger said. “I’m not very concerned. I carry a very large stick – and I’m not afraid to use it.”

Pronger suffered the injury Feb. 24 in a 6-3 victory over Chicago at Honda Center. Blackhawks winger Patrick Sharp inadvertently struck Pronger in the face with the follow-through of a shot that produced a second-period goal.

Pronger, who needed nearly 70 stitches to repair cuts and a surgical incision, will wear a football-style faceguard attached to his helmet in an attempt to prevent any further damage to the area.

“The healing process is four to six weeks,” Pronger said. “I have a plate in there. That speeds it up a little bit, but not this fast.”

Pronger leads Ducks defensemen with 12 goals and 43 points, and is tied for 10th in scoring among NHL blue-liners.