Phil Kessel is the new Ironman of the NHL. The 35-year-old winger set the record for the most consecutive games played in NHL history on Tuesday as his Vegas Golden Knights team took on the San Jose Sharks.
The veteran forward has not missed a game since November 3 of 2009. He overtook defenseman Keith Yandle for the top spot after Yandle’s streak was cut short last season when he was scratched healthy by the Philadelphia Flyers.
THE PUCK IS DOWN AND PHIL KESSEL IS OFFICIALLY THE IRONMAN OF THE NHL 😁#VegasBorn | #TheGoldenAge pic.twitter.com/uU2gLfH2xr
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 26, 2022
“I was always saying I like to play, so I try to play no matter what,” Kessel told ESPN midgame. “I still have fun with it. I’ve played a long time, I’m getting old. I had a fun time doing it. A lotta games. Until they tell me I have to quit, I like playing still. Try to play as long as I can.”
In the game, Kessel skated on Vegas’ third line with Mike Amadio and Brett Howden.
The Golden Knights were on the road in San Jose for the record-breaking evening and the Sharks’ home crowd responded very classily by giving Kessel a standing ovation once the accomplishment was announced over the SAP Center PA system.
A standing ovation for the (iron) man of the hour, Phil Kessel! 👏 pic.twitter.com/ALZ0A1wTcW
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 26, 2022
To make things even better for Kessel, he joined the 400 career goals club on the same night. The two-time Stanley Cup champion took a pass in the neutral zone and drove to the net for a chip shot over former Toronto Maple Leafs teammate James Reimer for the milestone marker.
It was also Kessel’s first goal as a member of the Golden Knights.
THERE IT IS! 🥳
Phil “The Thrill” Kessel scores career-goal no. 400 on the same night he set the NHL’s Ironman record with 990 consecutive games played! Couldn’t have written it any better.
📺: @espn ➡️ https://t.co/0fabdNvPG5 pic.twitter.com/tY7qKpYbh0
— NHL (@NHL) October 26, 2022
Vegas would go on to win the game against the Sharks 4-2. No word on any celebratory hot dogs. Congrats though, Phil!
Phil Kessel is the NHL’s new “Ironman”, playing in his 990th consecutive game 👏 pic.twitter.com/BU8mJCSiGl
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 26, 2022
Screenshot via ESPN