One of the NHL’s all-time greats has played his last game. Teemu Selanne — the “Finnish Flash” — who played 21 seasons with three teams, confirmed his retirement after his Anaheim Ducks team was ousted from the playoffs in a second round game 7 against the Los Angeles Kings.
The NHL Rookie of the Year in 1992-93, Selanne set a rookie record for goals and total points that still stands. He joined the old Winnipeg Jets after playing 3 years professionally in Finland. Internationally, he played in 6 Olympics for his home country, winning 3 Bronze Medals and a Silver. He was named the 2014 Sochi Olympics Most Valuable Player.
Selanne is one of eight players to score 70 or more goals in a season. Overall, he ended up with 684 goals, good for 11th best in history. His 1457 points are good for 15th best.
In his youth, he was one of the fastest players on ice with a hard, accurate shot. He had a nose for the puck and could be found sniffing around the net for a rebound that usually landed on his stick. Selanne possessed excellent hockey instincts and was an above average defensive player, although it was never a strong point in his play.
Following the Ducks 6-2 loss to Anaheim last night, the traditional handshake line began. NHL.Com mic’d up Selanne for this last hurrah as his opponents said goodbye. Then, the crowd erupted in cheers and began to chant his name as the Kings tapped their sticks rhythmically on the ice. Selanne teared up at this wonderful gesture and acknowledged the love.
A remarkable tribute for a remarkable player.
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