Anaheim Ducks: Why Teemu Selanne Can Still Kick Butt at Age 40

In all honesty, once a player starts to teeter into his late 30's, and even celebrates the dreaded 40^th birthday, no one expects him to contribute much anymore. But of the five players over 40, still playing in the league today, Teemu Selanne is one who absolutely does not act his age.

Aside from the logistics of formal identification listing his age as the big 40, there are no other indicators that this is true, and in fact he has enjoyed proving people wrong time and again this year.

So after an illustrious 19-year career in the NHL, let’s take a closer look at why Selanne should keep playing just one more year, and why, even at age 40, he still manages to kick some butt.

1. Points

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ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 23: Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks scores the winning goal against Mikka Kiprusoff #34 goalkeeper of the Calgary Flames during the shootout of the NHL game at the Honda Center on November 23, 2009 in Anaheim, California. Nys

Teemu Selanne averaged over a point per game this season, tallying an impressive 80 points in 73 games played. 

For players, like Selanne, who have that knack with scoring goals, so often there is a sharp decrease in productivity by the time they become more seasoned veterans.  But, did that happen with Teemu? No.

Selanne struggled over the last three seasons with injuries, and in his recent six-year stint with Anaheim, those are the only three seasons that he did not average more than one point per game.

Selanne, who back in his rookie year set a record for the most points and goals by a rookie, also managed to break a few more records this year.  

2. Still Setting Records

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ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 06: Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates his second period goal against the San Jose Sharks at Honda Center on April 6, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Selanne, who back in his rookie year set a record for the most points and goals by a rookie, also managed to break a few more records this year. 

This season, Teemu Selanne, was the first player in NHL history to score four game-tying goals in the last three minutes of regulation, and also has officially become the first player in NHL history over the age of 40 to score at least 3 goals and a minimum of 5 points in a single game.

On top of everything, the 31 goals, and 80 points that Selanne added to his career totals this season allowed him to climb to 14^th on the list of most career goals, and 27^th on the list of most career points.

3. Speed/Strength

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SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks is defended by Niclas Wallin #7 of the San Jose Sharks at HP Pavilion on November 9, 2010 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Yes, the Finnish Flash is a nickname that was given to him in his younger years, however Selanne has barely slowed down, if at all.

Not only is this 40-year-old still setting impressive records and points-per-game averages, but on top of it all, he is still strong and fast enough to win the battles for the pucks down in the opponent's zone, and he continues to produce and be a key player on Anaheim's forecheck.

Selanne continues to outskate, outplay, and outscore players who are half his age. and honestly, there's no way to slow him down.

4. Aggression

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 09: Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks and Brad Richardson #15 of the Los Angeles Kings fight in the third period at Staples Center on April 9, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Ducks defeated the Kings 3-1. (Photo by Jeff

In Anaheim’s closing game of the regular season, he demonstrated just how tough he still is despite his age.

With less than four minutes left in the third period against the LA Kings, Selanne retaliated on a questionable hit by Brad Richardson (possibly a hit to the head with the intent to injure Selanne), and dropped the gloves.

Let’s just say, I know it wasn’t just my jaw that had to be scraped off the floor, and after a few “did that really just happen?” text messages, the statistics started pouring in.  Ladies and gents, that was Mr. Selanne’s first fight in 18 years.  Eighteen years.

So, when you have a player, who is old enough to be the father of other players, like young Cam Fowler, and he is still willing to stand up and fight when it needs to happen, there's no question the grizzled vet is still kicking some butt.

5. Passion

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ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 08: Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks waves as he skates after being named first star of the game against the Los Angeles King at Honda Center on April 8, 2011 in Anaheim, California. The Ducks won 2-1 to clinch a berth in the pla

When you have a player who contemplates retirement several years in a row, yet continues to return and play his heart out, it not only shows commitment, but also shows passion.

For players like Teemu Selanne, he could step down at any time, hang up the skates and spend more time with his family, but he has explained that time and again he doesn’t feel like he is done.

On behalf of every Anaheim fan out there, we all hope he keeps deciding to come back, and be Anaheim’s version of a greatly loved and appreciated Father Time.

Teemu has proven time and again this season that he has plenty left in his fuel tank, so hopefully big number "8" will sport the Ducks jersey for years to come.