Wednesday’s NHL game between Washington and Buffalo was stopped midway through the third period after Capitals rookie Alexander Ovechkin scored so the left winger could be honored for breaking Wayne Gretzky’s career points record. With his 821st goal, Ovechkin totaled his 2,858th point (821G, 2037A)—breaking the Great One’s mark—after just 10 career games. “I got off to a slow start in the first three or four games, but things are really starting to click for me,” said Ovechkin during a post-game news conference. “Everything’s opening up and I’m seeing the ice a lot better. Now that the pressure of the record is off, I’m looking forward to relaxing and just concentrating on playing good hockey.”

Much has been made of this year’s rule changes, which have resulted in a faster game that caters to younger, more agile skaters. This quicker pace means the combined goals per game are up—from 4.14 in 2003 to 5.96 in 2005. “Seeing what Alexander accomplished makes me feel kind of embarrassed that it took me 20 years to do the same, but the NHL is a different game today,” said Gretzky, who attended the game to watch his record fall. “We had the two line pass, a more restrictive off-sides rule, more clutching and grabbing, and a smaller offensive zone. Oh, and you weren’t allowed to blind goalies with pepper spray you carried in your breezers. I’m surprised the NHL’s Board of Governor’s ratified that one.”

ORIGINALY PUBLISHED ON NOVEMBER 3, 2005 IN VOLUME 3 ISSUE 32

Phoenix Coyotes Assistant coach Rick Tocchet, accused a week ago of financing a nationwide gambling ring that took bets from about a half-dozen current players, says he expects to be getting a phone call any day now from authorities. Soon after the story broke, news of Wayne Gretzky’s wife’s involvement became the lead story and reports centered on the controversy have focused solely on the one-time NHL great. “I’m pretty sure the feds have my number. If they don’t, it’s 480-274-2782. That’s my home phone. My cell is 480-273-1192,” said Tocchet. I also check email regularly, so if anyone wants to get in touch with me, email me at toccman34@gmail.com.”

Tocchet says that after the media is done over-sensationalizing Wayne Gretzky’s involvement, it too, can feel free to contact him to discuss charges against him. “I’m on leave, so if there are any writers out there who want to interview a guy embroiled in a in illegal gambling rings, racketeering or money laundering, I’m your man,” said Tocchet. “If I don’t answer, just leave a message with Peggy or leave a message on my voicemail. Or better yet, just come over. I’m at 26278 West Fremont Ave. in Scottsdale, AZ. I’ll be on the computer in the garage covering up this mess, so just come around to the back and let yourself in.”

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 16, 2006 IN VOLUME 4 ISSUE 3