In the fast-paced world of professional sports, durability is a rare trait that often goes unheralded. Yet, in the rough and tumble world of the National Hockey League (NHL), there are those players whose resilience and determination have etched their names into the annals of history. These are the ironmen of the NHL, whose streaks of consecutive games played stand as testaments to their dedication and passion for the game. Here, we celebrate the top five ironmen in NHL history, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Phil Kessel:
- Consecutive Games Played: 1064
- Teams: Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Arizona Coyotes and Las Vegas Golden Knights
- Total Games Played: 1,286
- Goals: 413
- Assists: 579
- Points: 992
- Phil Kessel’s record-breaking streak on October 25th, 2022, solidified his place as the new Ironman leader in the NHL. He is the only NHL player to play in more than 1,000 consecutive games. Known for his offensive prowess and durability, Kessel’s streak was a testament to his consistency and resilience.
Keith Yandle:
- Consecutive Games Played: 922
- Teams: Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes, New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers
- Total Games Played: 1,104
- Goals: 102
- Assists: 491
- Points: 593
- Prior to Phil Kessel’s remarkable feat, Keith Yandle held the title of Ironman leader in the NHL. Yandle’s streak was a model of durability and reliability, showcasing his ability to consistently perform at a high level night after night
Doug Jarvis:
- Consecutive Games Played: 964
- Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals, Hartford Whalers
- Total Games Played: 964
- Goals: 139
- Assists: 264
- Points: 403
- Doug Jarvis’ ironman streak is legendary in NHL history. Known for his defensive prowess and unmatched durability, Jarvis epitomized the term “ironman” during his illustrious career. His streak spanned nearly a decade and showcased his unwavering commitment to his team’s success. Jarvis’ consistency and reliability made him a fan favorite wherever he played, leaving a lasting legacy in the NHL.
Gary Unger:
- Consecutive Games Played: 914
- Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Atlanta Flames, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers
- Total Games Played: 1,105
- Goals: 413
- Assists: 391
- Points: 804
- Garry Unger’s ironman streak set a standard of endurance in the NHL during the 1970s. Known for his durability and versatility, Unger’s streak was a remarkable feat in an era known for its physicality and grueling schedule. His ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level for an extended period solidified his place as one of the greatest ironmen in NHL history.
Steve Larmer:
- Consecutive Games Played: 884
- Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers
- Total Games Played: 1,006
- Goals: 441
- Assists: 571
- Points: 1,012
- Steve Larmer’s ironman streak is a testament to his toughness and dedication to the game. Known for his scoring touch and two-way play, Larmer’s streak was a reflection of his reliability and consistency on the ice. Despite facing numerous injuries and obstacles throughout his career, Larmer’s commitment to his team never wavered, earning him the admiration of fans and peers alike.
Conclusion: These five ironmen have each left their own mark on the NHL, showcasing the value of durability and resilience in a sport known for its physicality and demands. Professional hockey players are big, strong, fast, and they hit hard. Most of us wouldn’t last a minute.
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