Wayne kept slaugthering teams when Edmonton was up a few goals. But since his Art was won with something like 30-40 games left to play, I'm sure the main focus was to win the SC. He also didn't need a whole team rallying to help him achieve milestones.
Ah yes Gretzky's teammates definitely didn't want to help him pass Gordie Howe. And they definitely didn't think about how amazing it would be to be part of surpassing a herculean NHL record.
Teammates Happily Join Gretzky’s Chase
By JERRY CROWE
Oct. 6, 1989 12 AM PT
As Wayne Gretzky embarked anew Thursday night on his pursuit of Gordie Howe’s National Hockey League scoring record, his teammates looked forward to sharing the experience.
“I think, if anything, it will help us,” defenseman Marty McSorley said. “When great things happen, you can’t help but enjoy it and feel a part of it, especially if it’s something as big as this.”
...
“I remember watching on TV that one year (1982, Gretzky’s third season) when he beat Phil Esposito’s record for goals (with 92 in one season, 16 more than Esposito’s 11-year-old record). I couldn’t believe it.
“But being there on the ice--or on the bench--is going to be something. It’s a tough feeling to describe. You just say, ‘Wow, how could he keep doing it for so long, every year doing the same thing?’
...
“He’s the type of player you want to help achieve those goals,” Robitaille said.
...
“I’ve played with some great players--Phil Esposito, Carol Vadnais, Barry Beck--but obviously Wayne’s in a different class,” Laidlaw said. “Obviously, the ultimate is to win the Stanley Cup, but to be a part of things like this is something you can talk about 20 years down the road, when you’re sitting out on your front porch in a rocking chair.”