Phil Kessel: Ironman Of The NHL

When Phil Kessel steps out on the ice tonight in his now Vegas Golden Knights jersey, he will tie the NHL record set by Keith Yandle of 989 consecutive games played. If he plays on Tuesday night in San Jose, he will own the record. Say what you will, or think what you think about Kessel, that’s quite an accomplishment. He has not missed a game since October 31st, 2009, nearly 13 years ago!

How Phil Kessel Was Able To Do It

Let’s analyze how Kessel was able to accomplish this feat. One consideration would need to be that he doesn’t hit anyone. In his 17 years in the NHL he averages 0.15 hits per game. In comparison, someone like Yandle who plays defense had 458 hits in 1,109 games or 0.41 hits per game. Yandle was more of an offensive defenseman, so didn’t go around hitting opposing players all that much.

For Kessel to have played so many consecutive games, he had to have a certain amount of good luck. NHL players don’t only get injured while playing the game. They can cut their finger at home, train too hard and get injured that way also. Per former Pittsburgh Penguins teammate, Carl Hagelin told thescore.com, “He doesn’t put himself in situations where he’s going to get run over by a defenseman. He doesn’t play on the penalty kill, he doesn’t get hit by unnecessary pucks. That helps too.” 

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Kessel Has Had His Challenges

He was a survivor of testicular cancer when he was a member of the Boston Bruins in 2006. Even with that challenge Kessel only missed 11 games and won the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2007. Excluding the obvious reasons NHL players get injured and miss games, just the mere grind of constant travel will take a toll on your body. Yet, Kessel has endured.

It is quite ironic that Kessel will tie the NHL Ironman record where he played for a third of his career. The league will honor his streak on Tuesday, but Kessel isn’t into that kind of stuff. Then, if he makes it to 1,000 games he will be up against his most recent former team, the Arizona Coyotes on November 17th.

When He Was Traded to Pittsburgh It Wasn’t Popular

Steve Dangle in his own special way had lots to say about the epic trade in July of 2015. He didn’t like the trade at all, as evidenced by this video.

Kessel Isn’t Crazy About the Limelight

Golden Knights owner Bill Foley and president of hockey operations, George McPhee let Phil Kessel know that they were planning a celebration for the record, Kessel stated he didn’t want anything done. He didn’t want to be recognized. “He really doesn’t like the attention”, Foley said. “It just shows you something about his character.”

In all of that, Kessel’s streak may be around for a while. The closest player to challenge him currently is Brent Burns who has a  streak of 684 games. Burns is 37 and the likelihood of him breaking Phil’s record is remote.

Kessel says, “I’ve been fortunate so far, I’ve been able to play a long time in this league. I just always try to play… I love to play the game still.”

Whether Phil likes it or not, the league will honor his fortitude to play so many games without missing a game. Needless to say, it’s quite an honor. He deserves the recognition.