No. 3 scorer Hull retires with 741 goals

Brett Hull choked back emotion and thanked “everyone who ever touched my life in the game,” announcing his retirement Saturday from a career that left him the third-leading goal scorer in NHL history.

“I wish no one had to do this because it’s so hard. It’s hard because you never think you’re going to grow older and be unable to live up to the expectations you set for yourself,” he said.

The 41-year-old Hull, who had one assist in five games for the Phoenix Coyotes in his 20th NHL season, had to stop to gain control of his emotions, with his three children, fiancee and former teammates looking on.

Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky is one of his best friends, yet Hull found his minutes on the ice diminishing.

“I realized I wasn’t who I thought I was,” Hull said. “I wasn’t Brett Hull at 30 or 35 even.”

Hull signed with the Coyotes on Aug. 6, 2004, lured by Gretzky, who was leaning toward becoming the team’s coach.

“I was probably more emotional today about him retiring than I was the day I retired,” Gretzky said.

Only Gretzky and Gordie Howe have more goals than Hull.

Hull had 741 goals and 650 assists in the former Minnesota-Duluth star’s long NHL career with Calgary, St. Louis, Dallas, Detroit and Phoenix.

He won Stanley Cup titles in 1999 with Dallas and 2002 with Detroit.

Canadiens will retire numbers

Bernie Geoffrion, Dickie Moore and Yvan Cournoyer will have their jerseys retired by the Montreal Canadiens this season.

Geoffrion won six Stanley Cups with Montreal from 1950-64.

No. 5, which was most recently worn by Stephane Quintal, will be retired in Geoffrion’s honor in a March 11 ceremony prior to a game against the Rangers.

The Canadiens will retire No. 12 prior to their game against Toronto on Nov. 12, honoring both Moore and Cournoyer.

On the ice

Rangers 5, Thrashers 1: At New York, Henrik Lundqvist made 28 saves to win for the second straight game and New York blistered Atlanta rookie Adam Berkhoel for three second-period goals.

Flyers 5, Islanders 1: At Philadelphia, Michal Handzus scored twice and Simon Gagne added his NHL-leading seventh goal to guide Philadelphia over New York.

Maple Leafs 3, Canadiens 2: At Montreal, Eric Lindros scored twice, including one of Toronto’s two power-play goals, leading the Maple Leafs over Montreal.

Hurricanes 6, Devils 1: At East Rutherford, N.J., Rod Brind’Amour scored two goals and Matt Cullen had a goal and two assists, leading Carolina over New Jersey.

Lightning 3, Penguins 1: At Pittsburgh, Vincent Lecavalier scored a goal and set up two others and Tampa Bay extended Pittsburgh’s season-opening winless streak to a franchise record-tying six games.

Panthers 3, Sabres 2: At Sunrise, Fla., Olli Jokinen scored a power-play goal with 1:07 remaining in the third, lifting Florida over Buffalo.

Senators 5, Bruins 1: At Ottawa, Dominik Hasek became the 23rd goalie in NHL history to reach 300 victories, making 34 saves in Ottawa’s win over Boston.

Predators 4, Blues 1: Tomas Vokoun stopped 28 shots, helping Nashville end a nine-game unbeaten string at St. Louis.

Red Wings 2, Coyotes 0: At Glendale, Ariz., Manny Legace saved 23 Phoenix shots to give Detroit its first shutout of the season.

Sharks 4, Blackhawks 3: At San Jose, Calif., Patrick Marleau scored two power-play goals in the second period as San Jose beat Chicago.

Flames 3, Oilers 0: At Calgary, Alberta, Miikka Kiprusoff stopped 33 shots for his eighth career shutout as Calgary beat Edmonton.