And an old friend is the man who's providing the heat!

In a case of a favorite son returns, Teemu Selanne has come back to Anaheim with his game and magnetism in full effect. If you didn't know better, you'd swear he's never been away. It's as though he's picked up right where he left off having missed nary a beat.

Selanne looks as dangerous as he ever did during his first tour of duty in Southern California. There's still the same great acceleration, the same deft touch and that marvelous nose for the net. It's like being caught up in a hockey time warp. It's clear to anyone who's been watching that the Finnish Flash is back. Both literally and figuratively.

Selanne's resurgence is one of the true feel good stories taking place in the NHL this season. Thought by some to be on the downside of a splendid career, the 35-year old veteran has experienced a rebirth (or is it a flashback?), in a familiar locale with a familiar team.

Returning to the scene of some of his most productive years, a now healthy Selanne is again putting up the kind of numbers synonymous with a player of his caliber. Now sitting on 39 goals, the 6-0, 204-pounder seems a mortal lock to notch his fifth campaign of 40 tallies or better. 

But that's hardly the whole story. Always underrated as a passer, the talented right wing has also shown his creative bent to the tune of 50 assists. It's been production to the max.

With his 89 total points, Selanne currently ranks tied for 11th in league scoring. It's hard to imagine that either the Ducks or even Teemu himself could have envisioned that kind of output given what had transpired in the run up to '05-'06. 

And therein lies the most intriguing aspect of the Selanne renaissance.

When Selanne signed on with Anaheim as a free agent during the off season, no one knew for sure which version of Teemu would show up. Would it be the exciting Selanne of yesteryear who tallied 47, 52 and 51 goals in his first incarnation as a Duck. Or might it be the injury plagued vet of recent vintage who's lone year in Colorado resulted in a meager 32 points.

The fact that a player of Selanne's pedigree was available at all, underscores the uncertainty that surrounded him.  

But Anaheim G.M. Brian Burke is a risk taker and he wisely felt that bringing Selanne back was worth the gamble. Selanne's upside was simply too great to ignore.

For Teemu, the fit was close to ideal. More than any other place, he felt a comfort level in Anaheim predicated on his positive experience during his first go round there.

Moreover, the Duck fans adored him. Aside from perhaps the now departed Paul Kariya, Selanne rates as the franchise's most popular player ever. Getting that kind of love could only work to Selanne's advantage.

One other huge factor boded well for a Selanne revival. A troublesome knee problem had cleared up and was no longer hampering him. Once more, Selanne's speed was in evidence and that explosive burst up the wing had returned.

So the signs were there for Selanne to recapture some of his past glory. The reality has proven to be even better. From the season's outset, Teemu ignited and he hasn't let up since. His consistency quotient has been off the charts and he hasn't endured anything close to a slump all year.

Almost as if he's deriving some of the magic from nearby Disneyland, it's all working for Selanne. It seems as if he can do no wrong. That splendid wrist shot has netminders perplexed, the jump is back in his step and he's been nearly impossible to contain on open ice.

What's more, Selanne has never been stronger on the puck. Maybe it's the water in Anaheim but whatever, the 15-year standout is really getting physical, outmuscling opponents with surprising ease. As a result, he's controlling the puck longer which means more goals for him and more set-ups for his teammates.

Undeniably, the high point of Selanne's marvelous season so far came on Jan. 30th against fierce rival Los Angeles. Potting his second goal of the night on a nifty move, Teemu became the 70th player (and 7th European) in NHL history to total 1,000 points. 

The sellout crowd erupted in wild celebration when informed of the impressive mark their favorite Selanne had just achieved.

Oh yes indeed, it's good to be back! Kind of makes you wonder why the Ducks and Selanne ever split up in the first place. In retrospect, it was a separation that harmed both parties. Anaheim never replaced Selanne's output and popularity and though he was solid in San Jose, Selanne wasn't the dynamo he'd been down South. Hindsight says it was a parting that should have never happened.  

But that's the past. The future looms bright. With Selanne leading the way, the Ducks have enjoyed a fine season (42-26-12) and rate as a legitimate threat to go deep in the upcoming playoffs.

As for Teemu personally, it's been the best of times. With his health restored, Selanne is again a bonafide threat every time he touches the puck. Once more, he is among the league elite. Even better, he looks like he still has plenty of hockey left in him. 

And how good does Selanne feel about his current state? Just check out that infectious smile he flashes whenever he scores. He's home and he's loving it.

After too long an absence, the fire has returned to the Arrowhead Pond. A fire that melts the hearts of the Duck faithful while burning the hopes of the opposition. The fire of a returning star who's back where he belongs.