Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Anaheim Ducks have stumbled a bit here in the second half of the season, but nothing that was able to cost them anything as far as their seeding goes. They’ll still be the no. 2 team in the Western Conference when the playoffs get underway next week.
While they have had their struggles in the second half, there’s no denying that this team will still be a Stanley Cup threat once the postseason does begin. Aiding their chances is the fact that one of their key players has been resting up a bit of late.
The Ducks gave Teemu Selanne the option to rest at points throughout this week, in an effort to keep their oldest forward fresh heading into the postseason. Given his age, at 42, this was a smart move by the Ducks, especially since Selanne has been quiet in the second half.
After a strong start to the season, Selanne’s production has tailed off a bit as the months have worn on in this shortened season. He has just seven points since the month of March began, with six of those coming on goals. In that same span, he’s finished with a minus rating 11 times.
Whether or not that lack of production as the season has gone on will play into Selanne’s decision to retire over the summer is not clear. It certainly could have a strong impact. Selanne had previously hinted at one more year, but his stretches of quietness might mean otherwise.
For right now, though, the postseason is the focus. Selanne took a night off on Thursday and could very well do so in the season finale for the Ducks over the weekend. It’s certainly a worthwhile strategy for Selanne and the Ducks. If it works out, it gives them another fresh offensive weapon as they look to make a serious run here in the next several weeks.
