LAS VEGAS – Phil Kessel doesn’t particularly like being the center of attention.
The Golden Knights Vegas striker, on the other hand, found himself in the spotlight on Tuesday night.
After drawing defender Keith Yandle for the longest NHL streak Monday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the 17-year veteran broke the record on his own when he began his 990th consecutive game, Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks.
And he did it in style. He scored the first goal of the game and became the 13th American player to reach 400 NHL goals.
The Golden Knights eventually triumphed 4-2 over the Sharks to Kessel’s delight.
“It’s a pretty fun event, it means I’ve played a lot of games, right?” Kessel said on Monday. “Okay. Obviously I’ve managed to win some Stanley Cups, so I think it’s better than that streak. But tomorrow will be another fun game and I hope to get out of it.”
Three goals in the third period allowed the Golden Knights to wipe out a 2-1 disadvantage. Shea Theodore, William Karlsson and Mark Stone have rocked the ropes in the last twenty for the Golden Knights. Adin Hill stopped 29 shots in the win.
Nico Sturm and Matt Nieto hit the target for the Sharks, who got 27 saves from James Reimer.
A page turned
The two-time Stanley Cup champion said he would be happy to leave this stage behind and focus on the season, which he hopes includes a return to the playoffs. Last year, his former team, the Arizona Coyotes, and his new team, the Golden Knights, did not participate in the playoffs.
Kessel, who has scored 400 goals and 559 assists, has played in 1,212 career games with Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Coyotes and Golden Knights.
Kessel acknowledged that there were days he thought the winning streak would be over, but he overcame many injuries and endured some pain as he enjoyed his time with all five teams, including his first few months. with the Golden Knights.
“No one is ever one hundred percent in this championship. People think so, but it isn’t, she admitted. You still have sores and bruises and you don’t feel well. But you keep going on. “
