Q+a [mark Messier]

Messier: You try to dispel that quickly by getting to know them as people and not just as hockey players. Everybody's got to be able to come to the rink and relax with their teammates no matter who's in here.

SI: There's such parity in the NHL. What's the difference between a team that wins and one that doesn't?

Messier: The teams that win play with both emotion and discipline, which is very tough to do.

SI: Gordie played until he was 52. Here you are leading the team with six goals. How long will you play?

Messier: I'm one year at a time. It's tough feeling good consistently when you get older.

SI: What did [ Rangers coach] Glen Sather say after you passed Howe?

Messier: I've known Slats for more than 30 years, since before he was my first NHL coach. Words didn't need to be said. He just looked at me, and it was obvious he was feeling really happy.