Saw him at age 52, playing for the Whalers. Slow but smooth...the other guy, the furious 26 year old whoever he was, never stood a chance. And so strong that the kid kept bouncing off Howe's arms - I swear. And you heard each time Gordie banged the boards and glass...With elbow, stick, or the 6'2" kid he working over. Finally he flicked the kid to the ice.
It was over in less than 15 seconds...but it was classic Gordie Howe.