Kessel sets NHL ironman record by playing 990th straight game
Phil Kessel is the NHL's new ironman.
The Vegas Golden Knights forward broke retired blue-liner Keith Yandle's record by suiting up for his 990th consecutive game Tuesday night in Vegas' road tilt against the San Jose Sharks.
Here's the updated all-time top five.
| Player | Consecutive Games Played |
|---|---|
| Phil Kessel | 990 |
| Keith Yandle | 989 |
| Doug Jarvis | 964 |
| Garry Unger | 914 |
| Patrick Marleau | 910 |
Kessel's streak began Nov. 3, 2009, while he was with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Yandle passed Jarvis to claim the record in January. His run ended March 29 as a healthy scratch April 2. Yandle then retired in September.
Colorado Avalanche forward Andrew Cogliano ranks seventh with an ongoing streak of 831. He's the next-closest active player. Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns is currently in 10th with an active run of 685. Marleau retired in May as the NHL's all-time leader in total games played.
Kessel tied the record Monday night in the Golden Knights' win over the Maple Leafs. The 35-year-old thought he'd also scored his 400th career goal early in that matchup, but the Leafs initiated an offside challenge and the tally was overturned upon review.
Quite a few players have gotten a taste of the NHL since Kessel's run began.
A total of 2,790 players have appeared in an NHL game since Phil Kessel began his iron-man streak on November 3, 2009
- Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) October 24, 2022
Kessel is in his 17th season and his first with the Golden Knights. The veteran winger played the previous three with the Arizona Coyotes and the four before that with the Pittsburgh Penguins - helping them win the Stanley Cup twice. He also suited up for six campaigns with the Leafs and his first three with the Boston Bruins.
The Wisconsin-born forward entered Tuesday's game with 559 assists and 399 goals in 1,211 career games.
Kessel won the Masterton Trophy following his rookie season in 2006-07 after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. He was diagnosed that December but missed only 11 games following surgery.
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