Hockey Hall of Famer and former Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe will celebrate his 88th birthday on Thursday.

On Monday, he took in the Red Wings' game against the Buffalo Sabres for an early birthday celebration that included the Joe Louis Arena crowd singing Happy Birthday to him and the team presenting him with a massive -- and pretty immaculate -- birthday cake. 

Here is an up close look at the cake.

Honestly, I would feel a little bit bad about eating that because that thing had to take hours and hours and hours of time and effort.

Before the game Howe visited with the Red Wings' current players, including Pavel Datsyuk, captain Henrik Zetterberg and 19-year-old rookie Dylan Larkin.

The fact that Howe is able to be out and doing this at this point is pretty remarkable. Back in October, 2014, Howe's health seemed to be rapidly deteriorating after a series of strokes. In the months that followed he underwent an experimental stem-cell therapy in Mexico. His recovery following those sessions was called "miraculous" by his one of his sons, Mark Howe.

Howe, who spent 25 years with the Red Wings (as well as six years in the WHA and one more year in the NHL at the 51 with the Hartford Whalers), is the NHL's second all-time leading goal scorer with 801 and fourth on the all-time points list with 1,850.

During his time with the Red Wings he won six scoring titles, six MVP awards and four Stanley Cups.  

The Detroit Red Wings honored Gordie Howe on Monday night. (Detroit Red Wings)
The Detroit Red Wings honored Gordie Howe on Monday night. (Detroit Red Wings)