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5 greatest moments from Gordie Howe’s career

By Dave Stevenson

Nov 14, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; (Editors note: Caption correction) Gordie Howe is congratulated during the second period as the Vancouver Canucks host the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; (Editors note: Caption correction) Gordie Howe is congratulated during the second period as the Vancouver Canucks host the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Getty Images /

4. His Last Season In Detroit

They say all good things must come to an end eventually. Such was the case after the 1970-1971 season, after which Gordie Howe decided to retire due to a chronic wrist injury. It was a sad day for the Red Wings, as they lost the man who defined them for many years.

Even at the age of 42, Howe was still one of the best players in the league. Howe had his 22nd and final 20 goal season with 23 goals. That is a record that still stands to this day and it’s one that will likely never be broken. In context, current Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin scored 23 goals in 2015-16, his rookie season. Larkin would need to score 20 or more goals in each season until the 2037-2038 season just to tie Howe’s mark.

He also had 29 assist and 52 points. How many 42 year olds could play in the NHL and still average 0.83 points per game? At the age of 43, Jaromir Jagr had 0.84 points per game during the 2015-16 season. However, Jagr wasn’t dealing with a chronic wrist injury like Howe and Howe’s body unquestionably suffered far more punishment during his career than Jagr has so far in his.

Even in his final season with the Red Wings while battling injuries, Gordie Howe was still “Mister Hockey”. And he always will be, even in his death.

Next: 3. Passing The Rocket

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