SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Sharks hosted the Las Vegas Golden Knights Tuesday night at the SAP Center in a historical game. Las Vegas’ Forward Phil Kessel became the new NHL “iron man” appearing in his 990th consecutive game, a streak that began November 3, 2009.
Phil Kessel (Center) acknowledges the crowd after the PA announcement of his record breaking 990 consecutive game – Photo by Jack Lima
On Monday, Kessel tied with the former record holder, Keith Yandle, of the Philadelphia Flyers. Yandle earned the record January 25, 2022, after he appeared in 965 straight games. Yandle retired in March 2022, ending his career with 989.
Phil Kessel enters the ice before his record-breaking night – Photo by Jack Lima
Kessel’s consecutive title spanned former teams Arizona Coyotes, Pittsburg Penguins, Toronto Maple Leaf’s, Boston Bruins, now with the Golden Knights.
The Sharks fans celebrated the record during the first television timeout, while the crowd applauded Kessel.
Phil Kessel (8) scores his 400th career goal past Sharks goalie James Reimer – Photo by Jack Lima
Kessel continued his celebration as he scored the Golden Knights first goal of the game, his first of the season, at the 4:09 mark. The goal was also his 400-career goal, on a breakaway, beating James Reimer in the net.
Nico Sturm (7) attempts a wraparound shot on goalie Adin Hill – Photo by Jack Lima
The Sharks scored a pair of goals in the second period, by Nico Sturm and Matt Nieto to put them ahead at the second intermission 2-1.
Only seconds into the third period, Shea Theodore scored his second goal of the season, to knot the game at 2-2. Then William Karlsson and Mark Stone each scored midway through the period. Despite pulling the goaltender in favor of the extra skater, the Sharks could not find success. Las Vegas gets the 4-2 win over the Sharks.
Phil Kessel (8) celebrates his 400th career goal with teammates on the bench – Photo by Jack LimaNicolas Hague (14) and Alexander Barabanov (94) collide along the boards – Photo by Jack LimaPhil Kessel (8) skates during the games opening faceoff setting the NHL iron man record for 990 consecutive games – Photo by Jack LimaReferee Mitch Dunning drop the puck between Nicolas Hague (10) and Tomas Hertl (48) to open the 2nd period – Photo by Jack LimaSharks defenseman Erik Karlsson takes a shot on goal – Photo by Jack LimaSharks forward Oskar Lindblom (23) attempts to tip a shot past Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill (33) – Photo by Jack LimaSharks goalie James Reimer makes a glove save during first period action – Photo by Jack LimaTimo Meier moves the puck up ice – Photo by Jack LimaTimo Meier (28) tries to tip a shot past goalie Adin Hill – Photo by Jack LimaSharks goalie James Reimer stops a shot by William Carrier (28) – Photo by Jack LimaSharks goalie James Reimer makes a glove save while Chandler Stephenson (20) looks for a rebound – Photo by Jack LimaWilliam Karlsson (71) tries to avoid a check from Sharks players Kevin Labanc (62) and Radium Simek (51) – Photo by Jack Lima
