Strained Groin Keeps Selanne Off Ice

This time, there was no last-minute decision to scratch Mighty Duck right wing Teemu Selanne. He knew after Wednesday’s morning skate that he could not play against Calgary.

Selanne did an extended workout but was wary of pushing his strained groin too hard. As if he needed any reminder how delicate the injury can be, he had watched Pittsburgh’s Jaromir Jagr leave the Penguins’ game Tuesday because of a groin injury.

“It’s close, but not close enough,” said Selanne, the Ducks’ leading scorer with 21 points. “When I go full speed, I can still feel it. You have to be careful, especially with a groin injury. So many guys in the league have these. You have to know your body and when it’s ready to go.”

The hard part is deciding to sit out when the Ducks are struggling. Selanne, who missed seven games because of a groin injury last season, was injured during practice Sunday and sat out Monday’s game at Detroit, a 5-3 Red Wing victory and the Ducks’ third consecutive loss.

“When you make the decision, you can’t think about the team’s situation, like us losing three games in a row,” Selanne said. “You have to make the decision based on how your body feels. Otherwise I would play before I was 100% and could make it worse. I could be out six or seven games. You have to be smart. I know how these can be. I had one on the left last season and one on the right two years ago.

“I can get two more days rest and play on Friday for sure. Well, that’s not a for-sure sure.”

Meanwhile, defenseman Fredrik Olausson, who sat out Monday’s game because of a sore knee, returned to the lineup. The Ducks are also hoping to have left wing Mike Leclerc (elbow surgery) back Friday, when they play Chicago.

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Antti Aalto’s first-period goal was his third this season, matching his career high. He had three goals in 73 games last season.