Wayne Gretzky steps back into spotlight by dropping puck at Stanley Cup final

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The Great One stepped back into the spotlight at the Stanley Cup final.

Wayne Gretzky nearly brought the house down at Staples Center prior to Monday's Game 3 between the Kings and Devils after being introduced to drop the puck for the ceremonial faceoff.

"His name is synonymous with greatness," said the in-house announcer.

Gretzky has tried to keep a low profile during the Kings' march through the playoffs because he didn't want to take any attention away from the accomplishments of the team.

However, he was welcomed back with open arms for the first Stanley Cup final game in Los Angeles since Gretzky's 1993 Kings lost in five games to Montreal.

The franchise is seeking its first NHL championship.

Gretzky praised this year's edition of the Kings during an interview with CBC's Ron MacLean during the game's second intermission.

"As you guys have noticed the city has really rallied around this team, but it's a team that's really put itself at the forefront," Gretzky said. "They deserve top be where they're at right now. It's a great story."