Have been USA Today's hockey writer since 1986. I covered my first NHL game in 1982-83. I believe Gordie Howe is the greatest player of all time only because he added a physical element to his skill. But I believe Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr and Mario Lemieux are 1B, 1C and 1D. Gretzky was the greatest passer I've seen and Lemieux was the greatest scorer. I would take Betty over Wilma, Scooby Doo over Family Guy and my family believes that I can find at least something redeeming about every movie I see.