For the moment, Wayne Gretzky has chosen to walk away gracefully, with dignity. Of course he is concerned about his personal legacy -- The Great One's ego didn't melt from the Phoenix sun, no matter how ordinary he proved to be working in an environment that never felt as natural as his office behind the net. But the broader picture here -- beyond Gretzky's resignation as head coach and director of hockey operations of the Coyotes Thursday, beyond his bruised feelings and grumblings to friends about being treated unfairly -- still circles around one cold fact:
Wayne Gretzky is hockey.
And the NHL would be wise to do whatever it takes to assure its greatest ambassador remains a part of the game, somewhere, somehow.
The Coyotes didn't waste much time announcing the long-term replacement for Wayne Gretzky, who stepped down as coach and director of hockey operations on Thursday. Seven hours after Gretzky made his announcement, the club held a press conference to introduce Dave Tippett as their new bench boss.
While the NHL and the fans in Phoenix (and perhaps Hamilton) are awaiting any sort of final resolution on the future of the Coyotes, a major piece of the puzzle leveled a major announcement on Thursday. Wayne Gretzky, the legendary player who took a prominent role in the franchise as head coach and minority owner, has stepped down as coach and director of hockey operations.
When Joe Sakic officially announces his retirement, the NHL will not only be losing one of its best players of all-time, it's also going to be losing one of its best leaders and captains, and from nearly all accounts, an incredibly classy person. A rarity in the modern sports culture, Sakic spent his entire 20-year career with the same organization (Quebec/Colorado), scoring 625 goals and finishing with 1,641 points (eighth most all-time).
Ah yes, another July 1 passes and the Rangers make another splash in the free agent market. This year they signed the oft-injured and cranky Marian Gaborik to a five-year deal worth $37.5 million, and tough guy Donald Brashear for two years and $2.8 million. Also, former big July 1 signing, Scott Gomez, was shipped off to Montreal in a seven player deal that brought back forward Chris Higgins, among others.
But will all the superstar swaps and signings pay off for the Rangers? They've made similar moves for the past two years and have a grand total of eight playoff wins and a mid-season coaching change to show for it. So is this summer different, or are the Rangers sticking to the same big money strategy that has failed them before?
FanHouse is previewing the prospects of the top players and teams with high picks in Friday's NHL Draft. This is the fifth post in a six part series.
As the draft is only hours away, we'll finish up our preview series with the 18-year- old that has been on the tip of everyone's tongue all year. In 2007 he broke Wayne Gretzky's OHL scoring record and since then has been projected to be the first overall pick in 2009. The majority of scouting services and experts project one John Tavares to be the best player available in this year's draft, but will the Islanders take him?
During the Penguins' game 4 win on Thursday night, captain Sidney Crosby finally had his bust-out game of the Stanley Cup Final, recording a goal (the eventual game-winner) and an assist in Pittsburgh's 4-2 win to tie the series at two games apiece. The performance helped him eclipse the 30-point mark this postseason, joining his teammate, Evgeni Malkin, who is currently the leading scorer in the playoffs with 35 points, putting the duo in some elite, historic company.
Prepare yourself to be reminded of 1984. As Detroit and Pittsburgh hook up for a second straight year in the Stanley Cup Finals, we're going to get beaten over the head with talk about how this is the first Cup Finals rematch in 25 years.
It was 1984 where the Edmonton Oilers dynasty got its start, while the New York Islanders dynasty began its fade. Before we look forward to what should be a great series, let's take a moment to look back at the coronation of The Great One.
Late last week we gave you the heads up on E:60's upcoming profile of Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin. Earlier this evening, ESPN aired the piece, which you can watch in its entirety right here. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I will say that Ovechkin is in rare form.
Fans of Don Cherry, Sidney Crosby and local speed limits will not be pleased.
Hockey fans in the U.S. love to complain about how ESPN gives the sport short shrift on SportsCenter, so I guess it's only fair to note that the network's E:60 program will be doing a profile on Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin next Tuesday night, April 21, at 7:00 p.m. ESPN's Rachel Nichols not only talks to Ovechkin and a few of his teammates, she also made time to talk to Caps owner Ted Leonsis, Don Cherry and Wayne Gretzky. Enjoy the preview clip.
For the moment, Wayne Gretzky has chosen to walk away gracefully, with dignity. Of course he is concerned about his personal legacy -- The Great One's ego didn't melt from the Phoenix sun, no matter how ordinary he proved to be working in an environment that never felt as natural as his office behind the net. But the broader picture here -- beyond Gretzky's resignation as head coach and director of hockey operations of the Coyotes Thursday, beyond his bruised feelings and grumblings to friends about being treated unfairly -- still circles around one cold fact:
The 
Ah yes, another July 1 passes and the Rangers make another splash in the free agent market. This year they signed the oft-injured and cranky 
FanHouse is previewing the prospects of the top players and teams with high picks in Friday's 
Prepare yourself to be reminded of 1984. As Detroit and Pittsburgh hook up for a second straight year in the Stanley Cup Finals, we're going to get beaten over the head with talk about how this is the first Cup Finals rematch in 25 years.
