On Tuesday against the Sharks, Kessel participated in his 990th straight game.
In Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks, Vegas Golden Knights forward Phil Kessel set the NHL record for consecutive games played. Kessel then broke the tie with recently retired Keith Yandle, who had previously held the record, by participating in his 990th straight game.
When Yandle participated in the Philadelphia Flyers’ 965th straight game on January 25, 2022, he beat Doug Jarvis’ previous mark. On April 2, the Flyers opted to list Yandle as a healthy scratch, ending his run after 989 games.
The Golden Knights winger was second only to Yandle in terms of consecutive games played as of the 2022–23 season. Kessel started his streak on Nov. 3, 2009, while playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Throughout his extensive career, he has also represented the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, Arizona Coyotes, and the Golden Knights.
Kessel stated, “I was glad to get it. “It was a noteworthy evening. I’m pleased with my victory.”
Late in the first period of the record-breaking game, Kessel also scored his 400th career goal. Brett Howden sent the puck to Kessel, who raced down the ice on the break and hoisted a shot over Sharks goaltender James Reimer’s shoulder.
At 15:51 in the first period, Kessel’s 400th career goal gave the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead. The Sharks did, however, come back with goals in the second period from Nico Sturm and Matt Nieto to take a 2-1 lead into the game’s final 20 minutes.
In the last period, the Golden Knights hit quickly and frequently to seize the initiative. Winger Jonathan Marchessault made a fantastic move to sweep the ball back towards the blue line only 55 seconds into the third period, allowing defender Shea Theodore to score from the point.
In the closing seven minutes of the period, forwards Mark Stone and William Karlsson both scored goals to help the Golden Knights secure a spirited victory.
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