It was on this day in 1989 that Wayne Gretzky recorded his NHL record 1,851st career regular season point.  Gretzky broke the record which was previously held by Gordie Howe.

Less than one year before this historic achievement, Gretzky was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings in a trade that shocked the hockey world.  It was only fitting that Gretzky made his return to Edmonton just one point shy of tying Howe’s record.  He would tie the record early in the game, and with the Kings down a goal in the final minute of regulation and their goalie pulled, Gretzky backhanded in the game-tying goal to break the record, earning him a standing ovation from the Edmonton crowd. Gretzky would also go on to score the overtime winner to give Los Angeles the victory.

Wayne Gretzky finished his career with a remarkable 2,857 points, nearly 1000 ahead of his former teammate, Mark Messier, who currently ranks second all-time with 1,887 career points.  Like many of Gretzky’s records, this one should hold up for many years to come.

Here is a look at Gretzky’s record breaking 1,851st point.

Notable Birthdays

Jim Palmer, MLB – Born October 15th 1945 (age 67) in New York City, New York

Bernardo Harris, NFL – Born October 15th 1971 (age 41) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Elena Dementieva, WTA – Born October 15th 1981 (age 31) in Moscow, Russia