The Detroit Red Wings will likely have a welcome source of inspiration in the building Monday night.

Gordie Howe is expected to be in attendance when the Red Wings host the Buffalo Sabres at Joe Louis Arena, according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.

Howe's youngest son, Murray, will drive his father to the game from their home in Toledo, and Mark Howe, the Red Wings' director of pro scouting, also intends to be there.

Gordie attended a Red Wings preseason game in September, about 11 months after suffering a serious stroke. The family attributed his unexpected recovery to a round of stem cell treatments in Mexico.

His condition had improved so much by February 2015 that he was able to make his first public appearance since the stroke at a charity event in Saskatchewan.

The NHL legend's 88th birthday is Thursday.

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