Kessel breaks NHL ironman record, scores 400th career goal

Phil Kessel became the NHL's new ironman Tuesday night, and he wasn't done there.

The Vegas Golden Knights forward broke retired blue-liner Keith Yandle's record by suiting up for his 990th consecutive game in Vegas' 4-2 road win over the San Jose Sharks.

Here's the updated all-time top five.

Kessel then notched his 400th career goal late in the first period, one night after having that milestone taken away from him after an offside challenge. He tied the ironman record in that contest, in which the Golden Knights defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Sharks and the fans in San Jose acknowledged Kessel for the streak.

Kessel was his usual easygoing self when asked about the achievement during a stoppage in play.

His consecutive games streak began Nov. 3, 2009, while he was with Toronto. Yandle passed Jarvis to claim the record in January. His run ended March 29 as a healthy scratch April 2. Yandle then retired in September.

Colorado Avalanche forward Andrew Cogliano ranks seventh on the list at 830, but his run ended in 2018. Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns is the next-closest player with an active streak, currently in 10th with 685 games. Marleau retired in May as the NHL's all-time leader in total games played.

Quite a few players have gotten a taste of the NHL since Kessel's run began.

Kessel is in his 17th season and his first with the Golden Knights. The veteran winger played the previous three with the Arizona Coyotes and the four before that with the Pittsburgh Penguins - helping them win the Stanley Cup twice. He also suited up for six campaigns with the Leafs and his first three with the Boston Bruins.

The Wisconsin-born forward entered Tuesday's game with 559 assists and 399 goals in 1,211 career contests.

Kessel won the Masterton Trophy following his rookie season in 2006-07 after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. He was diagnosed that December but missed only 11 games following surgery.