Kinda wild that Gretzky’s Kings only made it beyond the 2nd round of the playoffs the one time, almost always getting knocked out by the Oilers. After beating them in 1989 in Gretzky’s first year in CA, the Oilers ended the Kings season 3 straight years. Not much has changed in the McDavid era, the Oilers continue to have the Kings’ number
This guy was an amazing dude on the ice. 5'6" and 165 pounds for much of career yet he played with the most passion and with the most heart. I hope he's doing well. Theo, I loved watching you play. I wish I had your NYR sweater in my collection. I've been looking on eBay and Marketplace. One day I'll find one.
I still liked Shanny even as a Whaler after getting traded by Keenan in STL. When he went to Detroit that all changed. But I wish they bring back the Hartford Whalers and the great uniforms they had.
Just an observation, but I believe that the Great One was one of the first North American players really influenced by the Soviet style of play. Criss-crossing with teammates, lots of east-west play and not just north-south, heavy emphasis on team play etc. It makes sense, Gretz would’ve been a kid during the ‘72 Summit Series and I’m sure his Dad would’ve been helping him observe and learn watching it.
At some point, we're going to have to more widely acknowledge that if a shooter scored on that today, nobody would say, "Wow! What a shot!" Everyone would say, "Uh, yeah, that goalie is getting sent back to the minors tomorrow."
@@moody9442 In addition to the neutral zone trap and pro-goalie rules, inferior players were as also a big contributor to the "dead puck" era. Even Chelios admits that when he came into the league some defensemen were still terrible backwards skaters. And the "garbage" that goes in today is generally crazy bounces and stuff. and, yeah, some bad shots go in, but no one ever credits the shooter in those situations. the common refrain is, "That goalie's gotta have that."
Completely fools Al MaCinnis, a hall of fame defenseman…and this was a few years after Gretzky’s debilitating back injury. Greatest offensive force in the history of the sport
Gretzky had that shot trademarked. He scored so many goals coming down the left wing and drilling a slap shot high-glove side. Maybe one of the most accurate slappers in hockey history. His shot deserves way more credit, Gretz could hammer that thing!
Gotta love the 5 players on the ice for the Rangers. Gretzky, Robitaille and Leetch all hall of Famers, Kovalev one of the most talented players to ever play the game. But the guy who gets the Great One the puck for the tap-in? Bruce Driver :)
THE greatest Sabre of all time. Humble, talented, respected. Stood in line many times for tickets to see the French Connection, et al. Great times, miss em...
This was my first game with my brother and dad at 15 years old. 6-2 and a hat trick to boot. We were in the LAST row, but still my favorite game of all time.
I heard Chris Pronger say that you don’t really understand how fast Mario could skate. He said cause of his long stride it looked like he was gliding but wondering why he’s moving past everyone Amazing player
He was mesmerizing to watch. It's like everything goes slow motion when he had the puck. Because of his size he looked like he slowed time. Like watching a giraffe galloping.
Finally here it is the greatest first goal in history of NHL! And the kings gave him away before he became the player he was!! Still my favorite king and player. So much fun too watch
He was 36, right. After at least two serious back injuries. By that time he already won everything and set all possible records. He maybe moved slow, but his brain was still the fastest in the league.
