Commissioner, Golden Knights honor Marleau for games played record

Vegas has seen some long-running shows, but nothing like this.

San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau officially became the longest-running show in the NHL, playing his 1,768th career game Monday, passing Gordie Howe's previous record. He did it at T-Mobile Arena, against the rival Vegas Golden Knights.
Marleau got the start and, after the game's first play stoppage, the team's public address announcer informed the limited crowd in attendance, which included Marleau's family, of the feat.

Both teams tapped their sticks in recognition and Marleau waved to the crowd.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman sent a congratulatory video to the veteran of 23 seasons, which was played on the Golden Knights scoreboard.
"To be merely mentioned in the same sentence as Gordie Howe is an achievement most hockey players can only dream about. To break one of his records is historic," Commissioner Bettman said. "You don't get to play in one game, let alone 1,768 just because you're a good guy or a positive role model or beloved by fans, though you are all of those things."
"It was very special to have all that. It was a great speech by Gary, I thank him and the League... It was a very well thought out speech and a lot of kind words in that speech, for sure," Marleau said. "I'm very thankful for him to take the time to do that and to the Golden Knights for everything they had to do to make this night special. I really want to thank them."
While
teams, players and fans took to social media
to laud Marleau's accomplishment leading up to the game, one well-known Sharks fan contributed his famous voice to a team tribute video. Metallica front man James Hetfield narrated looking back at Marleau's incredible career.

Even being on the road [the Sharks next home game is Saturday against the Minnesota Wild], Marleau still got plenty of love and support from the Bay Area back home. Oakland A's first baseman Mark Canha, San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yaztremski, San Francisco 49ers tackle Mike McGlinchey and Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr all sent their congratulations on behalf of their teams.

Marleau's wife, Christina, also penned a heartfelt tribute and shared it on social media, with a little humor thrown in.

After the game, things were predictably emotional.
"Just now as we came into the dressing room after Patty did some media, we stood up, everyone stayed in their hockey gear and gave him a standing ovation," Sharks coach Bob Boughner said. "Patty, in tears and emotional and talking how much his teammates have meant to him over the years. It was really a touching moment and I think we all were honored to be a part of it."
"I was (emotional). We didn't know they were going to stop play after the first whistle there, that video and response by both teams and the crowd, I was tearing up," Sharks captain Logan Couture said. "It's just cool to be a part of and something every player in this game will remember for the rest of their lives."
In a postgame interview with NBC Sports California, Marleau was asked what keeps him coming to the rink every day.
"I just love it," he said, wiping away a tear. "There's nothing else like it."

- NHL.com staff writer Tracey Myers contributed to this report.