The NHL has a new iron man.
Vegas Golden Knights veteran Phil Kessel on Tuesday set the NHL record for consecutive games played at 990. Kessel also scored his 400th career goal in the Knights’ win over the San Jose Sharks.
“I was happy to get it,’’ Kessel told reporters after the game. “It was a special night. I’m glad to get the win.’’
Kessel, 35, started the streak on Nov. 3, 2009. The record of 989 games was set just last season by Philadelphia Flyers blueliner Keith Yandle.
“No one’s at 100% ever in this league. People think they are, there’s just no way,” Kessel said. “You always get bumps and bruises and nicks and don’t feel great. You just keep going.”
IRONMAN PHIL KESSEL 💪
— NHL (@NHL) October 26, 2022
Congratulations Phil, on playing in your 990th consecutive game and becoming the NHL’s new “Ironman” leader! pic.twitter.com/BRKHSEuVKJ
In January, Yandle broke the record of 964 games set by Montreal Canadiens forward Doug Jarvis before extending it to 989 games in March. Jarvis had held the iron man crown for almost 35 years before last season.
A new Ironman has emerged. Congrats Phil Kessel! pic.twitter.com/Y5F8cQIpcn
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) October 26, 2022
In his 17-year career, Kessel has played for Boston, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Arizona and Vegas. He won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017.
• This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.
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