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DEC 6 1979, DEC 9 1979; ***** Landover, MO., Dec. 4-Blocked Power Play--Hartford Whalers 51-year-old Gordie Howe has a pass to teammate Bill Bennett, background, blocked by Washington Capitals Robert Picard, during a power play in the first period of their NHL game at Capital Centre in Landover, Md., Tuesday. The goalie is Capitals Gary Inness and the player mixing it up with Bennett is Caps Rick Green. (AP Laserphoto) (was32100stf-smith)79; Howe, Gordie - Groups; Hockey; AP Laserphoto; Still A Kid at 51; Gordie Howe of Hartford Whalers has pass blocked by Robert Picard; (Photo By The Denver Post via Getty Images)

DEC 6 1979, DEC 9 1979; ***** Landover, MO., Dec. 4-Blocked Power Play--Hartford Whalers 51-year-old Gordie Howe has a pass to teammate Bill Bennett, background, blocked by Washington Capitals Robert Picard, during a power play in the first period of their NHL game at Capital Centre in Landover, Md., Tuesday. The goalie is Capitals Gary Inness and the player mixing it up with Bennett is Caps Rick Green. (AP Laserphoto) (was32100stf-smith)79; Howe, Gordie - Groups; Hockey; AP Laserphoto; Still A Kid at 51; Gordie Howe of Hartford Whalers has pass blocked by Robert Picard;  (Photo By The Denver Post via Getty Images)