Kariya Back Against Canucks Tonight

The Mighty Ducks heard what probably were the most comforting words in the language Tuesday.

“I’m playing,” said Paul Kariya, who will make his season debut tonight against Vancouver with a team that has gone 1-8-2 without him.

Kariya, who scored 50 goals last season, hasn’t played in more than five months because of an abdominal injury.

Kariya will play on a line with Jari Kurri and Teemu Selanne, and the team is pinning its hopes on an offensive and emotional boost from his return.

“It’s going to be huge,” Coach Ron Wilson said. “He’s our go-to guy. When we go into the third period right now, we don’t have anybody who feels like they can score except Teemu Selanne, and the other team knows that. Paul opens up the ice. He puts the other team on their heels.”