The NHL’s newest active ironman is Phil Kessel.
This truth was made painfully obvious when the Philadelphia Flyers benched Keith Yandle after 989 straight contests. The “ironman” moniker, however, also implies the need to maintain on-ice performance in addition to physical health.
Although many disagreed with Philadelphia Flyers head coach Mike Yeo and criticized his selection of youngster Ronnie Attard in Yandle’s place, Yandle’s performance had been declining for some time, and Yeo chose the success of the team over his own popularity.
Philip Joseph Kessel Jr. is an American professional ice hockey winger playing for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League. He has previously played for the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Arizona Coyotes.
Kessel’s effort in the defensive zone can be questioned in addition to his scoring prowess. Plus/minus is a general, all-purpose number that occasionally lacks the necessary context. However, Kessel’s career total of -124 and his -38 over the last two seasons with the Coyotes speak volumes. He is a -129 even amid his incredible run of consecutive victories.