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Ducks star Teemu Selanne expects to return for Monday night’s game against the Kings

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Ducks forward Teemu Selanne, who has missed the last three games because of a groin strain, was a full participant in Sunday’s optional practice and was expected to return for Monday night’s game against the Kings in the Honda Center.

‘I don’t know about you guys, but ... I feel good,’ Selanne, who has eight goals and 14 assists this season, said to reporters as he entered the locker room after practice. ‘I’m counting myself in.’

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Selanne, injured in a Dec. 19 game against Columbus, warmed up with the Ducks before Saturday night’s 6-4 win in Phoenix. Though he was pain-free, he was still experiencing some tightness, and he was held out of the game.

‘I had a long discussion with the trainer, and we decided it was not worth the risk,’ Selanne said. ‘I would rather miss one more game and be safe than sorry. ... I was smart when this happened. I knew right away that if I played one more shift, I would probably pull it badly. I really don’t want this to be a bigger problem than it is now.’

The Ducks, who snapped a six-game losing streak with Saturday night’s win, may have to play a second straight game without defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, who was a late scratch Saturday because of back spasms.

Visnovsky did not skate Sunday. He received treatment for about 30 minutes and spent much of the workout on an exercise bike.

‘I wasn’t ready to skate today; it was very sensitive,’ Visnovsky said. ‘I will try tomorrow. Hopefully, it will be better.’

-- Mike DiGiovanna

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