Teemu Hearts Getzlaf More Than USA Today

From last night's postgame press conference following Anaheim's 5-3 victory in Game 4 against Detroit, a touching moment of genuine affection between Teemu Selanne and a teammate that's sure to make Paul Kariya jealous. Responding to a question about the potential for Game 4 hero Ryan Getzlaf to become a star in the NHL, Selanne ladled the praise on the 22-year-old Duck:

TEEMU SELANNE: You know, he's not going to only be a star, he's going to be a superstar (smiling). I don't think this guy knows how good he is. I know he can be even better.

I'm expecting next couple years, he could be the best player in this league. It's unbelievable things what he can do on a daily basis. I be very lucky to see him every day. I told before that I haven't seen better hands in anybody in my career than this guy.

So, you know, you owe me beer now (smiling). Obviously, he's a great puppy.

RYAN GETZLAF: I let him win in golf, too (smiling).

Great Puppy Getzlaf scored the game-winner against the Red Wings, a power-play tally at 5:24 of the third period. Three of his four goals in the postseason have been game-winners, and he's second on the team in points (11) to Chris Pronger (12). OC Register columnist Mark Whicker called Getzlaf's goal one of the five most significant goals in Ducks history, adding that "Getzlaf continued his ascent from prospect to star, perhaps on his way to icon."

My NHL FanHouse colleague James Mirtle agrees that Great Puppy Getzlaf is on the road to stardom: "Based on how he played tonight, I'm guessing he'll regularly be in the 90-point range - perhaps as early as next season."

There's no denying that Great Puppy is a talented young player whose head is in the right place, judging from this postseason interview he did with the CBC. Now the question becomes whether he's Conn Smythe material if the Ducks eventually end up hoisting the Stanley Cup. USA Today hockey writer Kevin Allen, a barometer for these things, didn't even mention Getzlaf's name in his Conn Smythe derby piece this week. Based on his numbers, based on his impact and based on the potential for more Great Puppy heroics, it's a significant and unfortunate omission.