Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Keith Yandle, 35, ties NHL record for consecutive games at 964

7:19 PM

The NHL's "iron man" record was tied on Monday night by the Philadelphia Flyer's defenseman, who appeared in his 962nd regular-season game.

The previous record was set by former NHL forward Doug Jarvis. If he takes a shift in the game at the New York Islanders on Tuesday night, he will break the record.

One minute and 15 seconds into the first period,Yandle took his first shift. According to the NHL, he only needed to do one thing to tie the record. The veteran was on the back end of the depth chart and had one shot on net in the loss.

It wasn't something I expected. He said after the game that he never thought about it. The guys were standing for me. The fans. It definitely meant a lot.

He didn't miss a game in the regular season from his NHL debut until the end of the 1987-88 season.

The streak began in his third season in the NHL. He has appeared in every game since March 26, 2009, without missing a game due to injury, illness, or suspension.

"It's an amazing achievement," said Mike Yeo, the interim coach of the Philadelphia team. You have to love the game and battle through sickness and injuries. A level of professionalism is needed to come to the rink every day. I thought he played a great game tonight.

There were close calls. The streak was in danger when the Florida panthers considered making him a healthy scratch. After several teeth were knocked out in a November game,Yandle had to have extensive dental work done, but returned the next night wearing a full-face cage and playing the following afternoon.

Hockey players are built like that. You play through the pain. When sledding is tough, I have had some times when I didn't feel great. You try to help out your team.

In his career,Yandle has played in over 1,000 games with five different teams. In 41 games this season,Yandle has 13 assists and a minus-22.

Heading into the game, the fifth most shifts in the NHL had been taken byYandle. He has been on the ice for 20,863 minutes and 26 seconds, which is sixth most in the NHL.

Phil Kessel, who plays for the ArizonaCoyotes, has played 940 consecutive games since Nov. 3, 2009, and is close to setting the NHL "iron man" record.