REGULAR SEASON (Through APR 12, 1999) YR TM GP G A PTS PIM +/- PPG PPA SHG SHA SHOTS PCT 98-99 NYR 70 9 53 62 14 -23 3 26 0 0 132 6.92
Career Stats Profile & Scouting Report Height: 6-0 Weight: 180 lbs. Born: January 26, 1961 in Brantford, Ontario Drafted: Not drafted by an NHL team. Acquired: Signed by the New York Rangers as a free agent on July 20, 1996. Personal: Married to actress Janet Jones. ================================================================================ Scouting Report 1997-98 Season Finalist for 1998 Lady Byng Trophy. Tied for NHL lead in assists. Tied for third in NHL in points. Led team in assists, points and game-winning goals. Tied for team lead in goals. Third on team in shots. Only Ranger to appear in all 82 games. ================================================================================ The Finesse Game Almost everything is misdirection when Gretzky has the puck. If he's skating to his left, his pass will go to the right. If he's taking the puck deep in the zone, driving the defense back, bet your last dollar the late man, trailing the play, is going to get a delicious pass for a dangerous shot. Gretzky loves to create plays that go back against the grain, which is why he uses the backhand pass so extensively and so accurately. Going against the grain also is a trademark of his shot selection, because it is easier for most goalies to step into a shot than reach back for one. If he comes down the center of the zone and veers to his left, he almost always will shoot back to the extreme right (top corner, mostly), just in case the goalie overplays the angle and leaves a window open. Getting the puck to the front of the net as quickly as possible is always Gretzky's priority. Be it by forehand or backhand--even if he has to kick the puck--he wants it in front before defensive positions can be established. That includes steep-angled shots from the corners or behind the net; if the goalie isn't alert and his skate isn't pinned against the goalpost, the puck might go in or bounce to someone for a putback. Gretzky will come out from behind the net with the puck and hold it while someone else gets open. He will try the stuff shot occasionally. He also will not hesitate to use the rounded bottom of the goal frame to actually pass to himself; he will throw the puck off the net from the corner or the endboards, then try to step around the defenseman and reclaim the carom. Particularly on the power play, Gretzky continues to operate from his "office" behind the net, which is positively the toughest play to defend for the goalie, who has to look over one shoulder at the puck, and the defense, who can't look over their shoulders to find Rangers skating to open spots. But Gretzky also operates from the right-wing circle, setting up one-timers from the point or the far circle, or working the puck deep and then cutting to the net. ================================================================================ The Physical Game Let's face it: The guy's a weenie. But so what? Do you want him for his body or his mind? You need his genius for all 82 games, and he isn't built to withstand physical punishment. That said, he will sneak up behind a guy, lift his stick and steal the puck. He will, at times, intentionally get in an opponent's way. And he does, once in a great while, backcheck. ================================================================================ The Intangibles In spite of all the records, all the points, all the rude remarks about his whippet-thin body--and in spite of all the accolades--Gretzky never gets enough credit for his competitiveness or his desire to win. This is an effort player, even if he doesn't scrunch up his face when he's skating. Many nights, his best period was the third, when the Rangers most needed his wizardry. And many nights, Gretzky's best moments came in the closing minutes, when he turned potential losses into ties, or turned potential ties into victories. =============================================================================== Projection Gretzky leads the Rangers' fast break, powers their transition game and distributes offensive chances in a manner that would stir pride in any point guard. All those big, mean centres and defensemen in the Eastern Conference didn't slow him noticeably last season, any more than they have in the past. Yes, he's slower. Yes, he's getting hit more. But he plays a lot every game and he's going to get points. He's still worth a high pick in your pool.
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