Teemu Selanne Drops the Gloves at 40

It took 18 seasons, but Teemu Selanne has picked up his first fighting major in the NHL.

The Ducks and Kings, battling for playoff position, played a home and home series this weekend.

The first leg, on Friday night in Anaheim saw Princeton alumni Kevin Westgarth and George Parros battle it out.  The two went again last night in Los Angeles in the first period.

With a few minutes left in the final game of the season Selanne skated down the right side in the Kings' zone.  Jack Johnson was able to prevent Selanne from making any moves and they battled along the boards.  Brad Richardson wound up taking Selanne's helment off with a crosscheck to the head and a scrum ensued.

It took a little time to develop, but eventually Sheldon Brookbank and Kyle Clifford broke away.  Brookbank landed some heavy shots, opening up Clifford under his left eye.  Meanwhile, Selanne and Richardson dropped the gloves and started exchanging rights.  As soon as linesman Jay Sharrers, who helped break up the first fight was able to skate over to the lightweight match, him and referee Brad Watson helped separate the second pair of fighters.

While it was Selanne's first fighting major, it wasn't the first time he was involved in a fight.  During his rookie season he ate a few punches from Chris Chelios, getting himself a page on this site despite never being credited with a fighting major until last night.