Selanne Holds Off on Decision to Play

Teemu Selanne skated effortlessly during the Mighty Ducks’ workout Thursday at their Anaheim practice facility. He greeted reporters with a friendly smile, then said without prompting:

“Questionable. Maybe. I’ll decide after the morning skate.�

In other words, Selanne will determine this morning whether he will play tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks. Or whether a groin strain will sideline him for a third consecutive game.

Selanne, who was injured Sunday in practice, did not play in Monday’s loss to the Detroit Red Wings or in Wednesday’s victory over the Calgary Flames.

The news is much better for several other Ducks on the mend.

Left wing Mike Leclerc, sidelined since undergoing elbow surgery Oct. 29, will play tonight.

Left wing Jim McKenzie, who suffered a broken hand in the Ducks’ victory Nov. 9 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, participated in Thursday’s practice and could be back in the lineup within a week.

Center Matt Cullen sat out Thursday’s practice because of a nagging groin strain but is expected to play tonight.

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Leclerc, who surprised the coaching staff by scoring four goals in the season’s first nine games before needing surgery, said he’s thrilled to be playing again.

“I’m ready to get back at it and play some hockey,� Leclerc said. “My next goal is to get back to that level [scoring four goals in nine games]. It’ll take time to get my timing back.�

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Duck Coach Craig Hartsburg will wait until he learns if Selanne can play tonight to determine his line combinations. But it appears Hartsburg will play Selanne and Paul Kariya on separate lines.

“Teemu can play with anybody,� Hartsburg said. “He’s proved it. [Two seasons ago,] he scored 52 goals and Paul hardly played all year. They do great things together and bring the fans out of their seats. Maybe they can do some of that with other players. It gives us other options. We know we can always put them together.�

TONIGHT

vs. Chicago

7:30, Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Arrowhead Pond.

* Radio--XTRA (690).

* Records--Ducks 9-9-2-1, Blackhawks 4-10-4-1.

* Record vs. Blackhawks--0-0-1.

* Update--The struggling Blackhawks on Wednesday dumped unproductive veteran left wing Wendel Clark, who had two goals in 13 games. Right wing Tony Amonte leads Chicago with nine goals and 19 points. * Tickets--(714) 740-2000.