Golden Knights forward Phil Kessel has tied the longest ironman streak in NHL history, playing in his 989th consecutive game Monday night as Vegas hosts the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kessel’s consecutive games streak began on Oct. 31, 2009, and stretches 14 seasons as a member of the Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Arizona Coyotes and Golden Knights.
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The record was set by retired defenseman Keith Yandle, who surpassed the previous mark set by Doug Jarvis when he skated in his 964th straight game in January.
Kessel, 35, has one assist in six games with Vegas this season. Drafted by the Boston Bruins with the No. 5 pick in 2006, Kessel has a total of 957 points in 1,210 career games spanning 17 NHL seasons. Kessel won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017.
IT’S KESSEL TIME pic.twitter.com/obrKFuvk1u — Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 25, 2022
The veteran forward is expected to set the NHL’s new record at 990 straight games when the Golden Knights visit the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.
How has he been able to maintain his longevity? Kessel, to his benefit (and sometimes, detriment), knows exactly who he is, and he sticks to that.
His game is about having the puck and making plays. It’s not about doing anything remotely physical. Not one bit. So Kessel never gets hit or never hits anyone himself. He sticks to his lane fully and completely. That means he doesn’t do anything extra after practice, and there was one year I remember he mentioned skating for the first time all summer not long before camp. He’s a one of one.
(Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie / USA Today)