Filed under: Ducks
CALGARY -- When you check Teemu Selanne's bio, you'd swear it was a misprint.There's no way a 40-year-old can continue to produce at such a rate that keeps him among the top echelon of the National Hockey League.
But then age, it appears, is just a state of mind.
"I don't really feel that I'm 40,'' smiled the amiable Anaheim Duck veteran. "Especially when you hang around with the young guys, that keeps you young, too. It's just so much fun. I enjoy coming to the rink every day.''
In 46 games this 2010-11 NHL season, the youthful greybeard is scoring at a point-a-game clip, having registered 15 goals and 33 assists. He's currently on pace for 76 points, which would mark his highest total since 2006-07 (94).
His career goal sum of 621 is four short of Joe Sakic's 625 and 14th spot on the all-time list.
"I don't look at the numbers much,'' Selanne noted. "What really makes me happy is that I've been able to play at a high level. Speed-wise, I don't think I've lost much at all. Obviously, it's easier to get points and goals when you're younger. It's a bigger challenge now. Plus, I've been lucky enough to play with really good players, that makes it more enjoyable.''
Out of Finland in 1992, Selanne burst into the league with a bang, scoring an astounding 76 goals in his rookie campaign while with the Winnipeg Jets. He earned the nickname the Finnish Flash, his speed becoming his signature trait.
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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/11/teemu-selanne-still-an-ageless-wonder/
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