Selanne Willing to Shoulder Responsibility for Drought

Teemu Selanne is not looking for excuses.

Only goals.

That is the bottom line for the Mighty Duck left wing. Selanne is known for his point production, but it has been 15 games since he has scored a goal.

“I have been through droughts before, but never anything like this,” Selanne said. “I had scoring chances. I just can’t put the puck in the net right now.”

Selanne said he is “100% healthy,” that the groin injury that forced him to miss four of his last seven games has healed. That seemed clear the last two games, when Selanne skated well.

The alibi that linemate Paul Kariya, who broke his right foot Dec. 17 against Tampa Bay, is out doesn’t appeal to Selanne either.

“I scored 52 goals mostly without Paul [in 1997-98],” Selanne said. “He is one of the best players in the game. But that’s not an excuse.”

Selanne said he was going back to wooden sticks. He switched to a graphite stick this season.

Coach Guy Charron also has asked Selanne to adjust his game.

“Teams are going to watch him closely right now,” Charron said. “He needs to be more of a phantom out there. He has to disappear. I’ve talked with him about being more active when he doesn’t have the puck.”

*

Center Steve Rucchin has suffered a setback in his effort to get back in the lineup. Rucchin continues to experience dizziness when he skates, which may be an effect of post-concussion syndrome. He suffered a broken nose and cheekbone when he was hit by a puck Nov. 15 against Colorado.

Rucchin has stopped skating and team officials are considering having him examined by a neurologist.

TONIGHT

vs. Florida, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 13-19-5-4, Panthers 7-19-7-5.

* Record vs. Panthers (1999-2000)--0-2.

* Update--The Panthers are 1-5-0-1 in their last seven games. The Ducks are 0-4-1-1 in their last six games.

* Tickets--(714) 703-2545.