Yandle sets new NHL ironman record with 965th straight game
Move over, Doug Jarvis. There's a new NHL ironman: Keith Yandle.
The Philadelphia Flyers defenseman set a new benchmark by appearing in his 965th consecutive regular-season game Tuesday against the New York Islanders, surpassing Jarvis for the most all time.
| Rank | Player | Streak |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Keith Yandle | 965* |
| 2. | Doug Jarvis | 964 |
| 3. | Phil Kessel | 941* |
| 4. | Garry Unger | 914 |
| 5. | Patrick Marleau | 910* |
* Active streak
Yandle hasn't missed a game since March 22, 2009, when he was a member of the then-Phoenix Coyotes.
"It's one of those things that I don't think it's really sunk in too much yet," Yandle said following the Flyers' 4-3 loss to the Isles, per NHL.com's Brian Compton. "It's obviously something I'm super grateful for. I'm grateful to play one game in this league, the best league in the world.
"To be surrounded by the best people, people that always have your back, people that are rooting for you, to be a part of the NHL and the NHL family and for me being (a part of it) the last 16 years, it's more than a dream come true."
The 35-year-old has played games with the Coyotes, New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, and now the Flyers during his streak. He's recorded 572 points in that span.
Kessel, 34, is currently on Yandle's tail, as he sits just 24 games back of the new record holder.
Marleau's streak is technically active, but the 42-year-old is a free agent and it's unclear if he'll ever play again. He's the league's all-time games played leader at 1,779 contests.