Yandle plays in 965th consecutive game to break Jarvis' NHL record

Keith Yandle played his 965th consecutive NHL game Tuesday, breaking the record held by Doug Jarvis, when the Philadelphia Flyers defenseman took the ice for his first shift against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

"It's one of those things that I don't think it's really sunk in too much yet," Yandle said. "It's obviously something I'm super grateful for. I'm grateful to play one game in this league, the best league in the world. To be surrounded by the best people, people that always have your back, people that are rooting for you, to be a part of the NHL and the NHL family, and for me being [a part of it] the last 16 years, it's more than a dream come true."
Yandle was in the starting lineup for the Flyers, who were defeated by the Islanders 4-3 for their 13th straight loss. During a TV timeout, he was recognized for the record and waved to the crowd as they applauded.
"That's awesome. I don't know what the percentages of guys who even play this many games, but in a row, it's unbelievable," Flyers forward Gerry Mayhew said. "Kudos to him. It [stinks] that we couldn't win, but that's a great achievement. Congratulations to him for sure."

Jarvis held the record since Dec. 26, 1986, when he played his 915th consecutive game to pass Garry Unger.
"I think this is awesome," Jarvis said. "I wish every player has the ability to play this game and to play it injury-free. ... It's a credit to him and I'm happy he's able to put a career together like this."
Jarvis' streak lasted from Oct. 8, 1975, when his NHL career began, to Oct. 10, 1987. He played for the Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals and Hartford Whalers.
Yandle tied the record Monday during a 3-1 loss to the Dallas Stars at Philadelphia.
"When I saw the guys cheering for me, standing up, and all the fans, it definitely meant a lot," Yandle said then. "Your teammates, the guys that you play with, guys that you play against, when they congratulate you and tell you they're proud of you. It hits home, it means a lot. It's definitely a nice thing."

Yandle had the record for the longest consecutive games streak by a defenseman; Jay Bouwmeester is second at 737 games. Arizona Coyotes forward Phil Kessel has the second-longest active streak at 941 games.
"It was special. It was kind of one of those things where I didn't know how many people were coming, who was coming. It was one of those things I stayed out of it," Yandle said Tuesday. "No one told me who was coming. I knew my wife and kids were coming, my parents, and then to see the amount of support I had, people taking their time out of their lives to support me, it meant the world to me."
Yandle's streak began March 26, 2009, with the Phoenix Coyotes. He has played for the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and Flyers.
Yandle played 57 consecutive postseason games but was a healthy scratch for Florida in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup First Round last season. He also was scratched for Games 4 and 6 in the loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"The way the game is played now ... a lot more action in the [defensive] zone and being in front of the net there," Islanders defenseman Andy Greene said Tuesday. "Just a lot of wild and crazy bounces that happen back there. For him to be able to play through that, it's got to be a testament to how he works and how he prepares. It's unbelievable that many games and for that long."
NHL.com deputy managing editor Brian Compton contributed to this report