If I remember correctly--and I think I do--Ken Dryden wrote in The Game that Lafleur's game was so dependent on speed that he would go into serious decline once he neared or reached 30. Now injury may have accelerated that decline, but I'm inclined to agree with Dryden.
There have been few, if any, sights in ice hockey as thrilling as Guy Lafleur carrying the puck down the ice at full tilt, his golden hair flying behind him. He alone was the best advertisement for the game. And if, like me, one was a Canadiens fan as well, then it was heaven. The Canadiens consistently drew far more fans on the road than any other team. The Forum in Inglewood would have lots of empty seats for many of the Los Angeles Kings' other games, but the Canadiens' visits were sell-outs. And Lafleur was the main reason.