Farewell Anaheim Ducks Season and Teemu Selanne
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Anaheim Ducks season is over and Teemu Selanne‘s career may be over as well, but the Ducks will be back.
The Ducks made strides in the right direction this season and made good memories along the way. The Ducks started the season dominating at Honda Center. They had a 22 game unbeaten streak of 20-0-2 at home. The Ducks led the entire league in the NHL as the No. 1 seed for the majority of the season.
On my birthday Jan. 15 the Ducks beat the Vancouver Canucks 9-1 and set a few records that night. The nine goals in one game was a franchise record and so was the six power play goals in that game.
A little over a week later the Ducks played the Los Angeles Kings in the first ever California outdoor NHL game on Jan. 25. The Ducks beat the Kings 3-0 with Jonas Hiller “pitching” a shut out. I was in attendance at the game and got to see Wayne Gretzky in person for the first time.
As the season progressed into the final weeks the Ducks slipped a bit and no longer held the best record in the league. The Ducks battled back in so many games trailing by multiple goals and winning late in regulation or overtime. The Ducks became known as the “comeback kids” for the numerous rallies they had this season.
The Ducks set a franchise a record with 54 wins in a single season. They won the Pacific Division again and held the best record in the Western Conference for the first time. The Ducks ended the season with the second best record in the NHL and only one point behind the Boston Bruins for the President’s Trophy.
If indeed it is Teemu Selanne‘s last year, then I am disappointed to see him go out in the manner he did. I was really hoping for the Ducks to at least get to the Stanley Cup Finals. My favorite moment of Selanne this year was when he and Jean-Sebastien Giguere skated to center ice after the home finale of the regular season. That moment brought a tear to my eye.
My second favorite moment had to be when the Kings stayed on the ice after Game 7 and tapped their sticks for Selanne. Despite being our rivals, I am glad they paid him the respect he has deserved and earned throughout the years.
I will miss seeing you on the ice Selanne. You taught me to smile no matter what situation comes your way.
You are a true inspiration on and off the ice.
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