Gretzky MVP for 8th Time; Robitaille Rookie of Year

Wayne Gretzky never gets tired of adding to his trophy collection. Luc Robitaille is just starting one of his own.

Gretzky, who led the Edmonton Oilers to their third Stanley Cup in four seasons, won the Hart Trophy, given to the National Hockey League’s Most Valuable Player, for a record eighth consecutive time Wednesday night.

“There is no question it feels better this time,” said Gretzky, 26, who has won the trophy every season he has played in the NHL. “It gets tougher to win each year.

“And getting a little bit older, you never know if it can be the last time, so it is a special feeling.”

Gretzky, who got 49 of the 54 first-place votes, led the league in scoring for the seventh consecutive time, with 62 goals and 121 assists for 183 points.

The Kings’ Robitaille was named Rookie of the Year, beating out goaltender Ron Hextall of the Philadelphia Flyers and King teammate Jimmy Carson.

Robitaille was the NHL’s leading rookie scorer with 84 points on 45 goals and 39 assists.

“I’m very surprised to win the award,” Robitaille said. “Everyone said (Hextall) was going to win it. I remember going to training camp. I just wanted to make the team.

“I’m very grateful to my teammates especially Marcel Dionne (now with the New York Rangers.) I hope to improve next season.”

Despite the sentiment for Hextall, Most Valuable Player in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Robitaille received 208 of a possible 270 points in the voting.

Hextall won the Vezina Trophy, given to the league’s top goaltender.

Boston’s Ray Bourque became the first Bruin to get the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman since Bobby Orr in 1975.

Calgary forward Joe Mullen won the Lady Byng Trophy, an award given to the player who best combines skill and gentlemanly play.

Dave Poulin of the Flyers won the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward.

Jacques Demers, who had a rags-to-riches year in his first season with the Detroit Red Wings, won the Adams Trophy as the NHL’s best coach.

Gretzky also was named to the NHL All-Star team at center for the seventh straight season. Tim Kerr of Philadelphia is the right wing, with Jari Kurri of Edmonton at left wing. Bourque and Mark Howe of Philadelphia are the defensemen, with Hextall in goal. Robitaille is on the second team.