The NHL record for most consecutive games played stood since 1987, but that record has now been tied, as Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Keith Yandle skated in his 964th consecutive game Monday night when the Flyers hosted the Dallas Stars, tying the record originally set by Doug Jarvis.
A centre for the Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals and Hartford Whalers, Jarvis set the original mark over 12 seasons from 1975-87. Yandle’s ironman streak began on March 26, 2009. He can make the record all his own if he takes a shift against the New York Islanders in New York Tuesday night.
Yandle, 35, tied the record when he took to the ice 1:15 into the first period. He wound up with an even rating and one shot on goal in 13:39 of ice time as the Stars beat the Flyers 3-1.
“It’s how hockey players are built,” Yandle said Sunday about the streak. “You play through as much pain as you can. There have obviously been some times when I have not felt great, when it was tough sledding. But you try to battle through it and help out your team.”
Three other current players had active streaks that rank in the top 11 in NHL history going into Monday’s games. The Arizona Coyotes’ Phil Kessel is closest behind Yandle at 940 consecutive games, though the San Jose Sharks’ Patrick Marleau (910) and Brent Burns (639) also maintained streaks coming into the night.
Yandle is in his first season with the Flyers, playing in 42 straight contests and recording 13 points on 13 assists.
For his career, Yandle has participated in 1,074 games overall with 102 goals and 511 assists (613 points) in stints with Phoenix/Arizona, the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and Flyers.
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