Sandstrom Is Not the Retiring Type

Veteran right wing Tomas Sandstrom had such a miserable 1997-98 season that he said Monday he considered retiring this summer.

“I went home and talked to my family about it,” said Sandstrom, 34, who had a career-low nine goals and 17 points in 77 games last season.

“I decided I wanted to come back. Last year, there were a lot of things going on and I wasn’t playing that much. It was tough.

“We kind of talked about retiring, but it came to a point where I said I can’t end it this way. You can’t blame your linemates. You can’t blame the coach. You have to look at yourself.”

Once he decided to return for his 15th NHL season and second with the Ducks, Sandstrom adopted a strenuous workout routine. He also consulted a personal trainer and altered his diet. As a result, he reported to training camp 15 pounds lighter than last season’s 205.

“I’m excited,” he said. “Otherwise I wouldn’t be back here. It seems all the guys are happier this year.

“Last year was just one of those years you want to forget. When you lose your confidence, then you’re done.”

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Defenseman Fredrik Olausson, suffering from an enlarged spleen, was unable to see a specialist Monday and did not practice for the second consecutive day. He has an appointment today.

Not that the Ducks appear particularly eager to release any details of Olausson’s condition.

General Manager Pierre Gauthier has declared team doctors Craig Milhouse and Ronald Glousman and the training staff off limits to reporters.

According to a team spokesman, Coach Craig Hartsburg will be the only one to deliver medical reports to reporters this season.