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And now Phil Kessel stands alone.
Kessel became the NHL’s new “iron man” on Tuesday — and did so in style, scoring his 400th career goal in the Vegas Golden Knights’ 4-2 win over the Sharks in San Jose. The 35-year-old winger has now appeared in 990 consecutive games, a streak that started Nov. 3, 2009.
“I was happy to get it,” Kessel said of the memorable night that was capped by his new teammates chanting his name in a celebratory locker room. “It was a special night. I’m glad to get the win.”
It did not take long for Kessel to break the record, previously held by Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Keith Yandle last season. Kessel started the game alongside William Carrier and Nicolas Roy. His record-breaking shift lasted 26 seconds before a break in play led to him going back to the bench. During the broadcast, Kessel could be seen looking up at the SAP Center video board with a smile on his face.
The Sharks acknowledged Kessel’s record during the first television timeout. The crowd applauded Kessel while the Knights winger waved at them in gratitude.
“It was nice,” he said. “I appreciate it. They don’t have to do that. But I appreciate it out of them.”
Later in the first period, Kessel opened the game’s scoring with his first goal of the season and first with the Golden Knights. It was also his 400th career goal, making him the 12th American-born player to reach that milestone.
“It was just pure happiness from everyone,” teammate William Karlsson said. “Everyone was just cheering and howling. It was really good to see it go in.”
Kessel nearly reached that mark on Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs — the game in which he moved into a tie with Yandle — before an offsides challenge wiped off his goal. There was no question this time.
The Golden Knights made sure it was a celebratory night with goals from Shea Theodore, Karlsson and Mark Stone in the third period to get the win. Adin Hill made 29 saves in his first game against San Jose since being…
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Source : espn
