Chara breaks NHL games record for defenseman when Islanders play Sharks

Zdeno Chara set the record for most NHL games by a defenseman when he played for the New York Islanders at the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.

Chara played his 1,652nd NHL game, one more than Chris Chelios.
"I would like to start by thanking Chris Chelios, he set such a high standard for many of us," Chara said. "It's been very inspiring and a huge motivation. I want to thank him for that. A tremendous player and a leader. ... I'm very grateful and I'm very lucky to have many, many great teammates, great coaches, and trainers. And support from my wife and children. ... I'm very lucky that I get to still play the game."
Chara, who turns 45 on March 18, is in his first season returning to the Islanders and has played for the Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals in his 24 NHL seasons.
"[It's remarkable], especially for a guy his size (6-foot-9, 250 pounds), how long he's lasted and how effective he's been throughout his career," Chelios said this month. "I've met Zdeno a couple of times and spoke with him, but you talk with anyone around the league, he's just a great guy, great team guy."

Chara tied forward Mark Recchi for seventh in NHL games played. Forward Patrick Marleau holds the record with 1,779.
"I'm honored to have an opportunity to coach him, I know what he's accomplished in terms of his career," Islanders coach Barry Trotz said after the
4-3 shootout loss
. "It's pretty special and the guys wanted to get it for him, no question."
Chara was selected by the Islanders in the third round (No. 56) of the 1996 NHL Draft and made his debut Nov. 19, 1997, a 3-2 win at Detroit.
Chara has eight assists and is plus-4 in 44 games this season. He has scored 674 points (207 goals, 467 assists) in the NHL, won the Norris Trophy voted as its best defenseman with the Bruins in 2008-09, and won the Stanley Cup as Boston captain in 2010-11.
Chelios played 26 NHL seasons for the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers. His last game was April 6, 2010 with Atlanta.