Fans say 'One more year'

Commenting on Gretzky the Great

"I told Gordie Howe his records were safe unless a miracle happens in the morning and I'll probably make it official," Gretzky said.

Gretzky did not make an official announcement about retiring and said he would meet Friday morning with Charles Dolan, chairman of Cablevision, the group that owns Madison Square Garden, as well as the New York Rangers and New York Knicks.

"I promised the Dolan family to meet one more time with them," Gretzky said. "I really feel right about which way I'm leaning. I will talk with Mr. Dolan. I have had extensive meetings with (Rangers coach) John (Muckler) and (general manager) Neil (Smith), and have not been swayed a lot, to be honest with you."

The sell-out crowd 18,499 Ottawa fans made the game memorable. Many hold signs urging Gretzky not to retire. With 4:43 left in the third period, the fans began to chant "One more year, one more year" as highlights of Gretzky's career were shown on the jumbotron.

"I thought about this for a long time." Gretzky said after the game. "I didn't want to disrupt the team during the playoff drive. I was so close to telling people in Edmonton in February ... I did everything but say it, because I thought it was better for the hockey club to keep my mouth shut."

The Rangers said that they have "tentatively" scheduled a press conference regarding Gretzky on Friday.