Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau scored on his first shift in his return from a broken finger and surgery less than three weeks ago.

Recovery was expected to take four to six weeks but the 23-year-old declared himself ready to go against the Anaheim Ducks with a special protective glove earlier Sunday.

Gaudreau collected an errant drop pass from Sam Bennett and fired a wrist shot through the glove side of Ducks starter Jonathan Bernier.

He began skating with the Flames this past week wearing a non-contact jersey in practice.

The Flames went 6-3-1 in Gaudreau's absence since he was slashed and injured in a game against the Minnesota Wild on Nov. 15.

Gaudreau was Calgary's leading scorer last season with 30 goals and 48 assists.