Some of us are just getting older and need more help than stretching alone will provide. I had the old "slice 'n dice" torn cartilage operations 40 and 30 years ago. Over the years, Advil was my "ref candy" of choice before games. More recently though, having had orthoscopic clean out surgeries a few years ago, my regimen has been:
Hyaluronic Acid injections (Synvisc, Euflexxa etx) Down to annually now.
Glucosamine/Chondroitin daily
Celebrex daily by prescription
Arthritis Strength Tylenol before games (Advil is out due to the Celebrex)
Voltaren Gel by prescription before and after games
and for those nagging dull aches from working too many games
"Sore No More" horse liniment. It's a natural product I get at the local Agway farm supply store. The folks there say they sell of ton of it to individuals for personal use, but it is a horse liniment. The directions tell you to apply it in the direction of hair growth. Hey, don't knock it till you've tried it. It works for me.
Equilite's Sore No More Liniment is an exceptional arnica and witch hazel based herbal horse liniment that contains no chemicals or harsh abrasives. Great to use as a massage liniment before and after exercise, or as a leg or bath brace.