Ducks' Selanne scores three, eyes idol

The Ducks' Teemu Selanne had a hat trick in a 5-4 overtime victory against Detroit on Wednesday, inching him closer to the NHL's all-time European-born leading goal scorer.

The paradox Selanne faces is that person is fellow Finn Jari Kurri.

Kurri had 601 goals. Selanne has 558 and counting.

"He was my boyhood idol so I don't know if it would be polite to pass him, " said Selanne, who had his 21st career hat trick. Still, when pressed, Selanne said, "well, if I really must pass him, then I guess it will be OK."

Besides, it is all relative.

Asked if he has had more hat tricks or more eagles on the golf course, Selanne said, "Oh hat tricks, by far."

Asked if he has had more hat tricks or owns more cars, Selanne said, "That's easy. Cars."

--Chris Foster