Gordie-Howe-Mug

Gordie Howe was dealt another physical setback Sunday, when he suffered a stroke.

(AP Photo)

Former Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe, whose combination of skill and toughness made him arguably the greatest hockey player of all time, is facing his toughest battle after suffering a severe stroke on Sunday.

"This is the biggest hit he's ever had; it's going to be tough to recover from," son Murray Howe told MLive.com on Tuesday. "I'd be surprised if he pulls out of it because it's such a severe stroke. God willing, he will.

"We're expecting the worst but hoping for the best."

Howe, known to legions of fans as "Mr. Hockey," is unable to walk and has lost some function in his right side. But his speech had improved on Tuesday.

"I spoke to him this evening using Facetime, chatted with him for quite a while," Murray Howe said. "He's definitely recognizing everyone he's talking to."

Howe, 86, is resting at daughter Cathy's home in Lubbock, Texas. Howe has been living with his daughter and her husband, Bob.

Sons Mark, the Red Wings director or pro scouting, and Marty were traveling to Lubbock on Tuesday. Murray, a radiologist in Toledo, Ohio, will go to Lubbock on Wednesday.

"He hasn't regained strength yet," Murray Howe said. "It's kind of touch and go, but he's the kind of guy that can rally from most anything."

Murray said his father can feed himself with his left hand because he's ambidextrous.

"He's looking at old family photos, vacations in Florida, hockey photos," Murray said. "We're keeping him comfortable, surrounded him with family.

"It's in God's hands at this point. He's had such an amazing life."

Howe has been suffering from dementia for several years and in August underwent spinal stenosis surgery.

Howe spent the first 25 seasons of his career with the Red Wings and remains the franchise's all-time leader in games played (1,687), goals (786), points (1,809), power-play goals (211) and game-winning goals (121).

He's the NHL's all-time leader in games played (1,767), ranks second in goals (801), third in points (1,850) and ninth in assists (1,049).

He also played six productive seasons in the World Hockey Association with sons Mark and Marty, recording at least 30 goals four times and at least 100 points twice.

Howe finished his career with the NHL's Hartford Whalers in 1979-80 at age 52. He made the last of his 23 NHL All-Star Game appearances that season at Joe Louis Arena, where he received several thunderous ovations.

Howe's wife of 55 years, Colleen -- known as "Mrs. Hockey" -- died in 2009 after a lengthy battle with Pick's Disease, an incurable neurological condition that causes dementia.

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