Thursday’s matchup between the Islanders and San Jose Sharks marked a record-setting night for Zdeno Chara, as he set a new NHL record for defensemen by playing in his 1,652nd career game.
Chara passed Chris Chelios to set the defenseman record while also tying Mark Recchi for seventh on the NHL’s all-time list for games played by all players.
The 44-year-old’s career has come full circle with the Islanders this season, as he rejoined the team that drafted him in 1996. Chara played his first four seasons with the Islanders before moving on to Ottawa for four years. He then spent 14 years in Boston, winning a Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011.
In his 1,652 career regular season games, Chara has recorded 148 goals and 333 assists, earning seven All-Star appearances.
The Sharks honored Chara in their arena by playing a message from Patrick Marleau, who holds the league's all-time record for games played at 1,779: