Los Angeles Kings (1988–1996) thumb|upright|Statue of Gretzky outside Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Kings. Gretzky played with the Kings from 1988 to 1996. The Kings named Gretzky their alternate captain. He made an immediate impact on the ice, scoring on his first shot on goal in the first regular season game. The Kings got off to their best start ever, winning four straight en route to qualifying for the playoffs. For only the second time in his NHL career, Gretzky finished second in scoring, but narrowly edged the Pittsburgh Penguins' Mario Lemieux (who scored 199 points) for the Hart Trophy as MVP.
Los Angeles Kings (1988–1996) thumb|upright|Statue? of Gretzky outside Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Kings. Gretzky played with the Kings from 1988 to 1996. The Kings named Gretzky their alternate captain. He made an immediate impact on the ice, scoring on his first shot on goal in the first! regular season game. The! Kings got off to their best start ever, winning four straight en route to qualifying for the playoffs For only the second time in his NHL career, Gretzky finished second in scoring, but narrowly edged the Pittsburgh Penguins' Mario Lemieux (who scored 199 points) for .the Hart Trophy as MVP.