The NHL record for most consecutive games played is from 1987, but that record has now been tied, as Philadelphia Flyers guard Keith Yandle skated in his 964th straight game Monday night when The Flyers hosted the Dallas Stars, beating the original record set by Doug Jarvis.
As a hub for the Canadian Montreal, Washington Capitals and Hartford Whalers, Jarvis made his debut in 12 seasons from 1975-87. Yandle’s iron record began on March 26, 2009. He could have set the record for himself if he played against the New York Islanders in New York on Tuesday night.
Yandle, 35, set this record when he dropped the ice with a 1:15 ratio in the first period. He hit an even rating and a shot on goal in 13:39 of ice time as the Stars beat the Flyers 3-1.
“That’s how hockey players are built,” Yandle said Sunday of the achievement. “You play through the pain as much as you can. Obviously there were times when I didn’t feel great, when it was tough skiing. But you try to get through it and help your team.”
The other three current players have had an active streak of placing in the top 11 in NHL history during Monday’s games. Phil Kessel of the Arizona Coyotes is trailing the closest Yandle with 940 games in a row, though Patrick Marleau (910) and Brent Burns (639) of the San Jose Sharks (639) also maintained their streak on the night.
Yandle is in his first season with the Flyers, playing in 42 straight games and scoring 13 points with 13 assists.
During his career, Yandle participated in a total of 1,074 games with 102 goals and 511 assists (613 points) in games against the Phoenix/Arizona, New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and Flyers.
