"At first, Sam Gagner was dubious that Wayne Gretzky had sent him a text after he had put away an astounding eight points in the Edmonton Oilers' 8-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.

He read the congratulatory message, saw that it was signed '99', but it wasn't until he verified the number that he realized Gretzky really was among his hundreds of well-wishers.

Gagner, who tied the franchise record for points in a game, held by both Gretzky and Paul Coffey, said that he had 60 texts after the game, and another 50 the next day. Before he headed out for Friday's practice, he even intercepted a phone call from Coffey.

"I'm just trying to stay as even-keeled as I can," said Gagner. "It's hard, but we have games coming up and I have to find a way to relax and get some sleep and get ready for the next one."

After practice, the 22-year-old was interviewed by both TSN and Sportsnet's national television shows. His stick has been pulled out his stash in case the Hockey Hall of Fame wants a piece of history. His jersey is already in demand, and the Oilers have a pile of the game pucks that they will dress up for the centre."