Selanne’s Streak Stands the Test of a Long Season

Many would expect the grind of this hockey season to take its toll on Teemu Selanne.

But the Ducks’ 35-year-old speedy right wing just seems to get better as the season nears its end.

Selanne has 24 points in his last 12 games and has had at least one point in 33 of his last 38 games.

When asked the last time he had such an extended hot streak, he said: “You’re making me feel old. Not for a couple of years for sure.”

Selanne could be headed for his first 90-point season since getting 107 in 1998-99 during his first term with the Ducks.

Not only did he benefit from the crackdown on hooking and holding, but also his reconstructive knee surgery last summer has made a difference.

“I think I’m in the best shape in a long, long time,” he said Monday. “Obviously when you’re knee is perfect, it’s so much more fun to work out and do different stuff that you were not able to do for many years. Everything is more fun.”

Selanne is enjoying a career renaissance. In February, he was named the outstanding forward in the Winter Olympics for leading Finland to a silver medal.

But the tournament took its toll.

“After the Olympics, there was one week where I was mentally dead,” Selanne said. “It was such an empty feeling because I was pushing so hard. But I think I’ve always been better in the second half.”

Selanne didn’t think set any point totals as goals before the season.

“The biggest thing is I know what I can do when I’m healthy,” he said. “Those kind of things come with playing well. When I was young, I was hungrier about points and goals and records. It’s just about winning now.”

TONIGHT

at Calgary, 6 PDT, Channel 56

Site -- Pengrowth Saddledome.

Radio -- 1090.

Records -- Ducks 42-24-12, Flames 44-24-10.

Record vs. Flames -- 1-1-0.

Update -- Behind a defense led by rookie sensation Dion Phaneuf and veterans Robyn Regehr and Jordan Leopold, Calgary leads the league in fewest goals allowed. The Ducks were inept in a 3-1 loss to the low-scoring Flames on Feb. 8 as Calgary scored all of its goals on the power play. Flame captain Jarome Iginla has 33 goals despite not having a true No. 1 center.