Phil Kessel has redefined the word “longevity” in the NHL.
Last night, the Las Vegas Golden Knights forward set the record for most consecutive games played. The 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks was his 990th straight game and it broke former defenseman Keith Yandle’s record of 989.
"I was happy to get it,'' Kessel, who became the league’s new “iron man,” said. "It was a special night. I'm glad to get the win.''
Phil Kessel is the NHL’s new "Ironman", playing in his 990th consecutive game 👏 pic.twitter.com/BU8mJCSiGl
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 26, 2022
Kessel, also known as “Phil the Thrill,” is 35 and playing in his 17th NHL season. He began his mind-boggling streak on Nov. 3, 2009 as a member of the Boston Bruins and carried his streak into stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins (where he won two Stanley Cups), and Arizona Coyotes before setting the record with the NHL’s youngest franchise.
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After Kessel’s first shift of game alongside William Carrier and Nicholas Roy, the Sharks recognized the forward’s incredible feat and offered their congratulations as the crowd stood and applauded.
A run that started all the way back on November 3rd, 2009... Phil Kessel's played 990 games in a row since.
— NHL (@NHL) October 26, 2022
Truly deserving of a standing ovation. 👏
📺: @espn ➡️ https://t.co/0fabdNvPG5 pic.twitter.com/gwrqjrSKX5
"It was nice. I appreciate it. They don't have to do that. But I appreciate it out of them,'' Kessel said.
Kessel also took time out of his evening to remind everyone that despite being in his mid-thirties and playing in nearly 1,000 straight games that he’s still got a spring in his step. He opened the scoring by rocketing past Sharks defenseman Matt Benning and chipping a shot over goalie James Reimer with just over four minutes left in the first period. The goal was Kessel’s 400th of his career, becoming only the 106th player in the league’s 105-year history to reach that milestone.
PHIL KESSEL, GOAL 400 IN HIS IRON MAN GAME!#VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/t4KQ0nTj6M
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) October 26, 2022
Kessel’s teammates could only watch in joy as he made hockey history twice in the same night.
"It was just pure happiness from everyone,'' teammate William Karlsson said. "Everyone was just cheering and howling. It was really good to see it go in.''
With the record now in the bag, Kessel will look to keep his streak going as long as he can and ensure the Golden Knights hot start to the season continues. Las Vegas currently sits atop the Pacific Division, and tied with the Bruins for most points in the NHL with 12.
