Gretzky scored a hat trick in a 3-2 Game four second round victory over the Florida Panthers. The tandem guided the Rangers to the Eastern Conference finals before running out of gas.

But Messier, with none of Gretzky's class, then exiled himself to Vancouver for a few extra dollars. Rangers GM Neil Smith, with none of Gretzky's hockey smarts, never found a suitable replacement.

With no one to convert his glorious chances, and no one to stick up for him after receiving another punishing check on his slight frame, time finally caught up to the Great One.

Not before he offered hockey fans one last thrill. I had the privilege to watch him from the blue seats over Christmas break. Every time he set up in his office behind the net, the crowd held its breath expecting something special.

Former goaltender Richard Brodeur once noted that, "What he does best is make you look bad." No. 99 didn't make anyone look bad that night. He didn't need to do so because everyone already knew who they were watching on the ice.

His permanent departure from the ice exposes a leadership crisis in the NHL. A new prophet needs to be appointed to continue the work he started and attempt to raise hockey's profile in the U.S.

Unfortunately, few candidates appear ready for the torch. Lindros? Too injury prone. Kariya? Lacks the charisma, and with one concussion already is a constant health concern.

Jagr, the man the Great One himself hoped could continue the mission? The Czech native simply needs to learn more English before assuming the spotlight.