Sharks legend Patrick Marleau made history when he took the ice Monday night in Las Vegas, appearing in his 1,768th NHL game, passing Hall-of-Famer Gordie Howe for the most in league history. Now in his third stint with San Jose, Marleau was given a warm reception at T-Mobile Arena with fans in attendance rising to give the 41-year-old Saskatchewan native a well-deserved ovation for his incredible longevity. Before the game, Marleau was gifted a pair of customized gloves embroidered with “Most Games Played in NHL History” as well as the logos of all three teams he’s played for (San Jose, Toronto and Pittsburgh).
The former second overall pick, who reigns as San Jose’s franchise leader in virtually every statistic including both points (1,102) and goals scored (518), logged 17 minutes and 21 seconds of ice time in the Sharks’ shootout loss to Vegas, his second-most of the season. A three-time NHL All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold medalist, Marleau was congratulated by players on both teams after the game, receiving another acknowledgment from the crowd before heading back to the visitors’ dressing room.
During the first break in play Monday night, the Golden Knights rolled a pre-taped video from commissioner Gary Bettman, who commended the veteran on Monday’s milestone. “You entered this league almost as far back as I did as the second overall pick in the 1997 Draft, for which you were the youngest player eligible,” remarked Bettman. “I have watched you go from precocious rookie to All-Star, to captain to husband, to father to model for what all NHL players, both on and off the ice should be.” An overwhelmed Marleau was visibly emotional throughout the ordeal, holding back tears as Bettman continued to rattle off accomplishments from his 20-plus years of NHL service.
One of the game’s great ironmen, Marleau has not missed a game in over a decade, suiting up in 899 straight contests. That’s the second-longest active streak in hockey, trailing only Florida defenseman Keith Yandle at a remarkable 912 consecutive games played. In 45 appearances this year, the 6’2” center has netted four goals on 43 shots for the Sharks, who will take a six-game losing skid into their next game Wednesday against the Golden Knights.
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