Jonas Hiller returned after missing six months because of vertigo and stopped all 21 shots he faced through two periods to lead the Anaheim Ducks to a 4-1 preseason win over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night.
Hiller, who hadn't played since March 24, made a handful of great saves before being replaced by Jeff Deslauriers to start the third. The 29-year-old Swiss Olympian threw out his right pad to take a tap-in away from Victor Oreskovich late in the first, and robbed Maxim Lapierre with his blocker and glove in the second frame.
He had some jitters, even if his play didn't show it. It brought back memories of his early NHL days
''Maybe my first game in the NHL,'' Hiller said. ''I was actually nervous because it has been such a long time since I played a real game.
''For the first game, I felt really good. ''It's definitely something I can build on.''
Hiller said it was his choice to leave the game after the second period. He came out because of tightness in his hips, and not because of any trouble with his head.
''I didn't want to stretch or pull something,'' Hiller said. ''I didn't want to overdo it in my first game. I'm too excited for the next one.''
Saku Koivu opened the scoring late in the first, Cam Fowler doubled the lead midway through the second, and Corey Perry and Andrew Gordon scored 54 seconds apart before the period ended for the Ducks (1-3).
Kevin Connauton beat Deslauriers during a power play with 7:05 left.
Anaheim dressed most of its regular players after consecutive lopsided losses to San Jose. The Ducks were outshot 49-14 in a 5-1 defeat on Friday night.
Vancouver (2-2) again sat its top players, using only a couple of regulars and backup goalie Cory Schneider, who made 19 saves. Leading forwards Daniel and Henrik Sedin and No. 1 Roberto Luongo haven't played yet in the preseason.
