Introduction: The Unmatched Brilliance of Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky, universally known as “The Great One,” redefined the game of hockey. Over a career spanning from 1979 to 1999, he amassed 2,857 points (894 goals, 1,963 assists) – a total that, adjusted for era, may never be equaled. But numbers alone cannot capture his genius. Gretzky’s most iconic goals and assists are not merely statistical entries; they are vivid, often replayed moments that illustrate a player who saw the ice three moves ahead of everyone else. This deep dive explores the plays that cemented his legend, breaking down the vision, creativity, and sheer will that turned ordinary scoring chances into hockey mythology.

To truly appreciate Gretzky’s greatest moments, one must understand the context: the high-flying 1980s NHL, the intense Canada Cup international tournaments, and the pressure of playing for both the dynastic Edmonton Oilers and later the Los Angeles Kings, where he single-handedly grew hockey in non-traditional markets. Every goal and assist described below is a lesson in hockey IQ, positioning, and the art of making the impossible look routine.

Early Career: The Foundations of Greatness

A Prodigy in the WHA

Before Gretzky ever played an NHL game, he was already a phenomenon. At 17, he joined the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) for the 1978–79 season. Though the WHA lasted only one more year, Gretzky's 110 points in 72 games (including 46 goals and 64 assists) served notice. After the Racers folded, he was sold to the Edmonton Oilers, which followed them into the NHL. Those early WHA games—often on smaller rinks and against older, more physical players—forced Gretzky to develop his signature escape skills: featherweight puck control and an uncanny ability to find soft spots in coverage. One early WHA assist, a blind backhand feed from behind the net to a trailing winger, became a template for his career.

The 50-in-39 Season (1981–82)

Gretzky’s first truly iconic milestone came in the 1981–82 season. On December 30, 1981, he scored his 50th goal in his 39th game of the season, shattering the previous record of 50 goals in 50 games held by Maurice “Rocket” Richard and later tied by Mike Bossy. The goal itself was a snap shot from the slot off a feed from Mark Messier, but the significance was staggering. It wasn’t just that Gretzky had scored 50 goals—it was the pace. He finished that season with 92 goals and 120 assists (212 points), setting single-season NHL records for goals, assists, and points that still stand today (though assists have since been broken). That season established Gretzky as not just a great scorer, but a statistical outlier whose dominance would define an entire decade. The 50-in-39 accomplishment remains one of the most untouchable records in all of sports, a testament to his ability to produce at a rate that defied logic.

The Most Iconic Goals

The “Goal of the Century” (1982 Canada Cup)

No single play epitomizes Gretzky’s magic more than his goal in the 1982 Canada Cup final against the Soviet Union. With Canada leading 3–2 in the third period, Gretzky took a pass from Larry Robinson at his own blue line and began a solo rush. He deked past one Soviet defenseman (Sergei Starikov), then another (Vasily Pervukhin), slipped through a third defender’s check, and slid the puck under goaltender Vladislav Tretiak’s pad while falling. The arena erupted. The play was later named the “Goal of the Century” by Canadian television.

What made it iconic: Gretzky didn’t just rely on speed—he used his edges to change direction, protect the puck with his body, and finish with a move that showed incomprehensible poise under the world’s biggest pressure. The goal sealed a 5–3 win for Canada and solidified his status as a national hero. For students of the game, this goal remains a masterclass in creating offense from nothing. It’s also a perfect example of his ability to read the play: he saw the Soviets changing positions and exploited the gap between their defensive layers. Years later, Tretiak still calls it “the most beautiful goal I ever allowed.”

The “Oilers Playoff Hat Trick” (1985)

During the 1985 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Gretzky scored a goal that demonstrated his signature move: the off-wing curl and drag. In Game 5 of the Smythe Division Final, he took a pass along the right half-wall, curled toward the middle as if to pass, then pulled the puck back and roofed a backhand over Chicago goaltender Murray Bannerman. The goal gave Edmonton a 4–3 lead and ultimately clinched the series. The beauty was in the patience—he waited until Bannerman committed to the pass option, then exploited the gap. That series goal was part of a playoff run where Gretzky tallied 47 points in 18 games, further proving his ability to elevate his game when the stakes were highest.

The “Assist That Became a Goal” (1988 vs. Los Angeles)

One of Gretzky’s most unusual iconic moments is actually a goal he scored by intentionally missing the net. In a 1988 game against the Kings (while still an Oiler), Gretzky faked a shot from the left faceoff circle, causing goaltender Kelly Hrudey to slide out of position. Instead of shooting, Gretzky deliberately shot the puck high and wide, banking it off the end boards back to himself, and then tapped it into the empty net. The play is not technically a goal in the conventional sense—it was a two-step deception that demonstrated his constant anticipation of where the puck would be, rather than where it was. This kind of creative problem-solving made him virtually unstoppable. It also foreshadowed his later move to Los Angeles, where he would become the face of hockey in California.

The “1987 Canada Cup Winning Goal”

Gretzky’s final international moment of pure glory came in the 1987 Canada Cup final against the Soviet Union. With the score tied 5–5 in the third period of the deciding game, Gretzky gathered a loose puck behind the net, cycled out front, and snapped a quick wrister over Sergei Mylnikov’s glove. The goal, assisted by Mario Lemieux, is remembered for the elegant simplicity and for the context: it was Canada’s third straight Canada Cup win, and Gretzky was named tournament MVP. The goal is often shown in highlight reels because it perfectly captures his ability to switch from playmaker to finisher in a heartbeat. Lemieux later said, “I just gave him the puck and he did the rest. That’s what legends do.”

Other Iconic Goals Worth Mentioning

Gretzky’s resume includes countless other signature tallies. His 802nd goal on March 23, 1994, against the Vancouver Canucks broke Gordie Howe’s all-time record. The goal came on a breakaway, where Gretzky faked a forehand and slid the puck backhand past Kirk McLean. The record-setting moment was a microcosm of his career: calm under pressure, precise, and historic. Another memorable strike was his 500th NHL goal in 1986, scored on a backhand from behind the net that banked in off a defenseman—again proving his “office” behind the cage was a scoring weapon, not just a passing lane.

Most Notable Assists

The “Behind-the-Net No-Look” (1983)

Gretzky’s most iconic assist may be a play that produced a goal for Jari Kurri, but the pass itself is legendary. In a 1983 regular-season game, Gretzky swooped behind the net, drew two defenders, then whipped a no-look backhand pass from the left side of the net directly onto Kurri’s tape in the slot. Kurri one-timed it home. The pass was so deceptive that even the broadcast announcer missed it initially. Gretzky’s ability to know exactly where his linemates would be—and to deliver the puck with perfect pace and placement—was his greatest weapon. This assist became a template for the Oilers’ power play for years. It also highlighted the chemistry between Gretzky and Kurri, a partnership that produced countless highlight-reel goals.

The “Assist on the Goal of the Century” (1982 Canada Cup)

Even in the context of his own most famous goal, Gretzky’s assist earlier in that same tournament deserves recognition. In the round-robin game against Czechoslovakia, Gretzky took a pass and, while being cross-checked, slid a blind backhand to Mark Messier in the slot. Messier scored. The assist is a study in resilience and vision: Gretzky absorbed a heavy hit, kept his head up, and still found a teammate through a maze of bodies. It’s a prime example of how his playmaking was never deterred by physical punishment.

The “Through-the-Legs Feed” (1990)

In Game 4 of the 1990 Stanley Cup Final, Gretzky (now with the Kings) produced what many consider the most beautiful assist of his career. While skating down the left wing, he faked a shot, then threaded a saucer pass between the legs of a defenseman and onto the stick of Mike Allison, who scored. The pass required pinpoint accuracy and timing; a millimeter higher and it would have been intercepted. The Kings lost the Cup to Edmonton, but the assist remains a highlight of his later career, proving his skills had not diminished. It’s a play that coaches show to young players to illustrate how to use deception to create passing lanes.

The “All-Time Assist Record” (1989)

On December 13, 1989, Gretzky recorded his 1,850th career assist to pass Gordie Howe for the all-time record. The assist came on a routine-looking pass to Dave Taylor in a game against the Red Wings, but the moment is iconic for its weight: it pushed Gretzky past the mark considered the most unbreakable in sports. The record now stands at 1,963 assists—nearly 1,000 more than the next closest active player. This assist, while not acrobatic, represents the cumulative dominance of his career. It’s a reminder that Gretzky’s greatest skill was making the simple play look inevitable.

Gretzky’s Unique Playing Style: The Science Behind the Plays

“Go Where the Puck Is Going, Not Where It Has Been”

Gretzky famously said, “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going.” This philosophy underpinned every goal and assist. He was average in size and speed by NHL standards, but his anticipation was superhuman. He would read the play, drift into open ice, and receive passes or deflect shots before opponents could react. Many of his iconic goals—the 1982 “Goal of the Century,” his playoff hat trick goals—were born from this habit of arriving early and thinking two plays ahead. This “sixth sense” is often attributed to his childhood, where his father Walter drilled him on where to be on the ice rather than how to handle the puck.

Behind-the-Net Prowess

Gretzky’s favorite office was the area behind the net, known as the “Gretzky Office.” From there, he could see the entire ice and make plays unmatched by any other player. He used the net as a screen, drawing defensemen into tight spaces, then fed the puck to the slot or to the weak side. This positional uniqueness allowed him to rack up an absurd number of assists on low-danger shots turned into high-quality chances. It’s a tactic now taught at every level of hockey, but nobody executed it with the perfection of The Great One. Opposing defenses tried to deny him that space but often failed, as Gretzky’s edge work and head fakes made him nearly impossible to track.

Vision and Hockey IQ: The Invisible Skill

What truly set Gretzky apart was his ability to process the game faster than anyone else. He could track all five skaters on the ice and predict where they would be in two seconds. This allowed him to make passes that seemed illogical but always found a teammate. For example, his no-look backhand passes were not just for show—they were a tactical tool to freeze defenders and goalies. Modern analytics confirm that Gretzky’s assist-to-goal ratio was historically high because he prioritized the best scoring chance over personal glory. His selflessness made everyone around him better, from Jari Kurri to Mark Messier to Luc Robitaille.

Teammates and Chemistry: The Kurri Connection

No discussion of Gretzky’s iconic assists is complete without highlighting his partnership with Jari Kurri. The duo spent over a decade together in Edmonton and later in Los Angeles, and their chemistry was telepathic. Kurri knew exactly where Gretzky would put the puck, and Gretzky knew exactly where Kurri would be. Together they produced over 500 goals, many of which came from the patented Gretzky-to-Kurri backdoor pass. Kurri’s ability to finish Gretzky’s feeds made him a Hall of Fame player in his own right. This partnership is a case study in how elite hockey IQ can turn two good players into an unstoppable force.

Legacy: How Gretzky’s Goals and Assists Changed Hockey

Records That May Never Fall

Gretzky holds or shares 61 NHL records, including most career goals (894), most career assists (1,963), and most career points (2,857). But his iconic plays often involved breaking records in style. For example, his 802nd goal (to surpass Gordie Howe) came on a breakaway against the Vancouver Canucks in 1994—a moment that combined historical weight with athletic grace. Every record-setting play is a reminder of his relentless pursuit of excellence. The single-season points record of 215 points (his own 1985-86 mark) is considered untouchable in the modern NHL, where offensive production has declined due to rule changes and defensive systems.

Influence on Modern Hockey

Gretzky’s style—creative, unselfish, and cerebral—paved the way for the skill era. Players like Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, and Connor McDavid have often cited Gretzky as an influence, particularly his no-look passes and his ability to create offense from seemingly dead plays. The modern NHL emphasizes speed and skill, largely because Gretzky proved that intelligence could overcome physicality. His behind-the-net tactics are now standard curriculum in hockey academies, and his emphasis on puck possession predated the modern analytics movement by decades.

Cultural Impact Beyond the Rink

Wayne Gretzky’s iconic moments extended beyond the arena. His goals and assists were broadcast nationwide, inspiring a generation of Canadian children to play hockey. In the United States, his trade to Los Angeles in 1988 popularized the sport in the Sun Belt. Schools study his highlights to teach concepts of teamwork, spatial awareness, and dedication. Even outside hockey, “Gretzky” is shorthand for unparalleled mastery. The phrase “pulling a Gretzky” has entered the lexicon to describe any act of creative problem-solving under pressure.

Conclusion: Why We Still Watch the Highlights

Decades after his final game, the footage of Wayne Gretzky’s goals and assists still mesmerizes. From the “Goal of the Century” to the no-look behind-the-net passes, these plays represent the peak of human athletic ingenuity. They are not just sporting moments; they are art. For coaches, players, and fans, studying these plays offers a timeless lesson: the difference between good and great is not just talent, but the ability to see what others cannot. Wayne Gretzky saw the hockey world in a way no one else did, and we are still catching up.

To explore more of his legendary career, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Gretzky exhibit, read Sports Illustrated’s ranking of his greatest moments, or view the complete NHL.com statistical page for the ultimate deep dive. For a detailed breakdown of his behind-the-net strategies, check out The Score’s analysis of the Gretzky Office.