What is there left to say about Teemu Selanne that hasn’t already been said? The man known as the ‘Finnish Flash’ has been dazzling hockey fans around the world with his goal-scoring abilities, smooth-skating and personable off-ice demeanor since 1992. Judging by his play this season for the Anaheim Ducks, the 40-year old superstar should still be considered as one of the premier players in the game. With the Ducks locked in a battle for a playoff position in the Western Conference, Selanne has once again been a catalyst for the good things that have been happening to the Ducks team. Teamed on a line with fellow Finland native and close friend, Saku Koivu, Selanne has continued to put up solid numbers, and currently sits second in the team’s scoring race behind Corey Perry, who is having a career season. The NHL’s active all-time goal-scoring leader with 634 career tallies, Selanne’s impressively consistent production has been vital for the Ducks, who continue to benefit from the skills of a man who does not seem to be slowing down as the years go by. By pairing Teemu’s exceptional offensive abilities with his countryman on one line, and the league’s leading goal-scorer in Perry with fellow Olympian Ryan Getzlaf on their other scoring line, the Ducks have developed a multipronged attack that no one in the Western Conference wants to face for potentially seven games in the upcoming playoffs.
- Teemu continues to pour on the points, including a five-point night (3 goals, 2 assists) on Monday against Colorado
- He has accumulated 75 points in 67 games to date in the 2010-11 season, scoring at a notable 1.112 points per game clip, despite approaching his 41st birthday!
- The former kindergarten teacher has recorded 18 points in 13 games during the month of March so far, with the Ducks having gone 10-3-0 during that time
- Having already passed Dino Ciccarelli, Bobby Hull and Joe Sakic on the all-time goal-scoring list during this season, Teemu is only six goals shy of tying Dave Andreychuk for 13th place in NHL history
BIOGRAPHY:
- Born in Helsinki, Finland on July 3, 1970
- Drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1st round, 10th overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft
- Played for Finnish SM Liga club, Jokerit, prior to coming to the NHL, capturing a championship in 1991-92
- Holds the NHL record for most goals by a rookie with 76. This feat propelled him to the Calder Trophy in 1992-93
- Captured the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2006-07
- Won the Rocket Richard Trophy in 1999 for most goals in a season; also tied for most goals in the 1992-93 and 1997-98 seasons
- Has played in 10 NHL All-Star games, including the 1998 All-Star Game where he earned MVP honours
- Named twice to both the NHL First All-Star Team and the NHL Second All-Star Team
- Recipient of the 2005-06 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
- Is one of the most decorated international players of all-time, representing Finland in various IIHF World Championships, World Cups and Olympic tournaments
- All-time leading scorer in Olympic men’s hockey history with 37 career points
