October 15, 1989 – Northlands Arena, Edmonton
This is not the only date of importance attached to this throw back, but it is the most important. On this day, Wayne ‘The Great One’ Gretzky broke hockey legend Gordie Howe’s 29 year old all-time scoring record of 1,850 points. A feat that took Howe 26 seasons to accrue, took Gretzky a total of 11.
Another date stands out in this scenario, because it was the day that the Edmonton Oilers stunned the hockey world trading the fan favorite, Captain and franchise player to the Los Angeles Kings. That date was August 9, 1988. That is a date that will forever be remembered in the history of the organization, and it set into motion a tremendous storyline for what would happen on the 15th day of October, just over one year later.
Gretzky returned just one point away from tying Howe’s long standing record. The building buzzed as the sellout crowd held their breath every time the puck landed on 99’s tape. The fans would never let go of the memories he gave them, but the Oilers and their organization wanted desperately for this record to be broken anywhere else. A stunning reminder of everything ‘The Great One’ was to the city and the team, that would forever be etched in the record books with another team, in a different jersey, but preferably not on that sheet of ice.
They threw every weapon they had at him, in the hopes that Gretzky would not shine on their stage, in front of the 17,503 fans that crowded the Northlands Coliseum. On almost every possession, Gretzky found himself smothered by three defenders, and were it any other player, on any other night, and in any other arena…that might have been enough. But, it was ‘The Great One’. It was fitting for Gretzky to give the fans who had supported him for much of his career the best parting gift he could have orchestrated after his abrupt trade ended his affair with Edmonton, and their great fans.
Only 4:32 seconds into the game, the league’s greatest and purest offensive weapon found a way. Gretzky edged his way just inside the blue line and fired a clean pass onto the blade of defenseman, Tom Laidlaw in the slot. Laidlaw then sent the puck into the left crease where Bernie Nicholls was waiting, all alone at the left post. Nicholls deftly deposited the puck, right into the back of the net giving Gretzky the assist he needed to tie Howe.
Gretzky was listed for the assist by the PA announcer, followed by the announcement that Gretzky had tied Howe, and the crowd erupted. From there the game turned into a tight contest with Edmonton grabbing a lead only to have the Kings come back and tie it, first at 2-2, then 3-3. The third period rolled around, and Gretzky was clearly gassed, and a little worse for wear, having literally worn three defenders for most of the night.
The Oilers came out and took the lead back with 1:46 remaining in the third, and it seemed that Gretzky and Howe would remain tied. The Kings Coach, Tom Webster called a timeout knowing Gretzky needed a rest, but ‘The Great One’ was never one to back down. He simply wouldn’t leave the Ice.
“Gretz was dizzy,” The Coach shared with the media later. “He got rapped a couple of times, but he wanted to continue and I’m not about to argue with him. When you have a player with his talent who wants the ice time, I’m going to let him have it.”
One For The Record Books
With 1:10 remaining, Webster pulled goalie Mario Gosselin for the extra attacker. As he skated towards the bench, the crowd erupted chanting “Gretzky, Gretzky”. He was on the ice for three minutes uninterrupted, as the Kings gained control of the puck. As tired as he was, Gretzky managed to shift by Esa Tikkanen and Kevin Lowe with some sharp stick work, and squeaked through chasing the puck as it careened off teammate Dave Taylor’s leg, deflecting toward the front of the net. Gretzky was right there waiting to cradle it on his stick, and toss it backhand right by Edmonton Goalie Bill Ranford to break the record.
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Later, Gretzky spoke to the media and said, “My initial reaction was, ‘Hey, we’ve tied it.’ Then it struck me, ‘Wow, that’s the record breaker.”
Somehow, this moment seemed to be fated to play out in the city that made his dreams come true. He had won countless awards on that ice, and it seemed fitting that he should share one more with the fans who gave him a three minute standing ovation as teammates, both past and present, mobbed him, including former Oilers teammate and longtime friend, Mark Messier.
A red carpet was rolled out, and the Oilers presented Gretzky with a gold bracelet set with 1.851 carats of diamonds, one for each of his 1,851 points. The inscription read, “A great man is made up of qualities that meet or make great occasions. Presented in friendship by the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club 1989-90.”
For his part, an emotional Gretzky addressed the 17,503 fans in the Northlands Coliseum and both organizations with a few heartfelt words of his own. “An award like this takes a lot of teamwork. Both teams that are here today are part of this record,” he said.
The Edmonton fans had appreciated all 1,669 points he scored with the Oilers, but it was likely they would never forget the three he scored on that night.
Yes, three. Gretzky, ever the hero, punctuated that milestone by scoring the game winning goal, in overtime.
Wayne Gretzky left his indelible mark on the game of hockey. By the time he retired he had amassed 2,857 points in 21 seasons; a record that may never be broken.
Birthdays
1945 – Jim Palmer
1968 – George Koonce