Stunned King Fans Not Feeling That Great About Gretzky Now

The good: Gretzky single-handedly winning the Toronto series.

The bad: Gretzky not doing enough to win the Montreal series.

The ugly: Gretzky talking about his $3.5-million bonus the night of the Canadiens’ celebration.

MALCOLM MacENROE

Pacific Palisades

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When Wayne Gretzky first came to Los Angeles, I greeted his arrival with skepticism, which continues to this day. But for a while I thought, if Jacques Demers thinks Gretzky is great, it must be so.

Alas, he is showing his true colors, green for greed. His announcement regarding possible retirement, on the night of the final Stanley Cup playoff game, hurt everyone. The Canadiens probably couldn’t care less. But imagine how it made the Kings feel. Gretzky’s selfishness and leadership have never been more apparent. Perhaps his conscription should be ended.

KATHY HICKER

Los Angeles

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Go ahead, Gretzky, quit on us. You finally show up 4 1/2 years after we trade for you and now you want to retire. Hey, pal, losing is tough, but as a King, you should be getting used to it by now.

But this year was different, maybe even that steppingstone this organization needed to build on and when your young teammates needed you most to say to them, “We’ll get ‘em next year,” you turn your back on them and use the moment for your selfish goals. Thanks for the memories, Gretz. You’re a hell of a leader.

GARY STANLEY

Beverly Hills