Leading Off

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COLOR PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL KENNEDY Goal OrientedWayne Gretzky fired this slap shot at Calgary's goal in an '81 exhibition game as he tuned up for a mind-boggling scoring display: 92 goals in an 80-game season, a feat that may never be equaled.

COLOR PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPH BY BOB MUMMERY Flippable but Unflappable Though he was taken out on this play in '85 by the Nordiques' Robert Picard, Gretzky had a remarkable ability to elude defenders--and keep his focus.

COLOR PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID E. KLUTHO Ever Cagey In his first game back in Edmonton after joining the Kings, Gretzky set up in his familiar playmaking spot behind the net, giving ex-teammate Grant Fuhr a taste of the dread that other goalies had felt for years.