Molleken praises Gretzky on `a sad day for hockey'

Lorne Molleken had just entered the room for his postgame pressconference Thursday night when the Blackhawks coach stopped short,quickly realizing what was on the television in front of him.

There was Wayne Gretzky all but announcing his retirement afterthe New York Rangers' 2-2 tie in Ottawa.

Gretzky said he was "99 percent sure" he had just played hisfinal game in his homeland. "It's going to take a miracle," Gretzkysaid when asked if there was a chance he would change his mind.That means Gretzky's career, marked by nine most valuableplayer awards and four Stanley Cup championships, will end Sunday atMadison Square Garden when the Rangers host the Pittsburgh …