Selanne Will Return to Lineup Tonight

Right wing Teemu Selanne said he will play tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning, giving the Ducks one more reason to feel hopeful instead of hopeless after Thursday’s coaching change. He was sidelined the last two games because of a groin strain.

New Coach Guy Charron plans to play Selanne with left wing Paul Kariya and center Tony Hrkac. Center Steve Rucchin continues to suffer headaches stemming from the broken nose and cheekbone he suffered Nov. 15. Rucchin said he hopes to resume skating with his teammates Monday.

Rookie Petr Tenkrat, who recorded his first NHL goal and assist in the Ducks’ 6-4 victory Friday over the New York Rangers, is expected to be the odd man out of the lineup tonight.

Selanne participated in Friday’s morning skate and the pregame warmup but did not play against the Rangers. Tenkrat replaced him.

“When you feel good, you should take one more day before you come back,” Selanne said. “Now I know I did the right thing. You have to be smart.”

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Selanne did not make himself available until Saturday to answer questions about Craig Hartsburg’s firing, but he spoke freely.

“I think we needed a fresh start,” Selanne said. “Of course, it’s always sad when somebody has to lose his job. This team, we couldn’t find the best in ourselves. Craig did everything he could and we couldn’t win.”

Of Charron, Selanne said, “You see the positive attitude in him. He’s a guy who is always keeping the guys in a good mood. He’s always smiling and relaxed.”

Asked whether he hoped the coaching change would end talk of a trade involving him or Kariya, Selanne said, “It’s one thing I can’t control. Once in a while you think about it. Of course it bothers guys. Keith Tkachuk said last year it destroyed his season. He couldn’t stop thinking about it.”

Tkachuk was rumored to be traded several times last season by the Phoenix Coyotes, but was not. He was slowed by injuries and had 22 goals and 43 points in 50 games last season.

TODAY

vs. Tampa Bay. 5

Channel 9

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 12-15-4-3, Lightning 10-15-3-2.

* Record vs. Lightning (1999-2000)--1-1.

* Update--Selanne hasn’t scored a goal since the Ducks’ loss Nov. 22 against the New Jersey Devils, an eight-game drought. The Ducks haven’t won three consecutive games this season. Victories Friday over the Rangers and Wednesday over the expansion Blue Jackets gave the Ducks their fourth two-game winning streak. Their last three-game streak was March 15-19.

* Tickets--(714) 703-2545.