Marleau celebrated a pair of historic achievements, overtaking Gordie Howe for
the most regular-season games played in NHL history
and later becoming the fourth player in League history to appear in
900 consecutive regular-season contests
. The 41-year-old Aneroid, Sask., native dethroned Mr. Hockey - who had held the distinction as the NHL's all-time games played leader since Nov. 26, 1961 - when he stepped onto the ice for his 1,768th career contest April 19, a 3-2 shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. "The emotional roller coaster, it was definitely a long ride," Marleau said after breaking Howe's record. "I'm very grateful and blessed that I was able to do this with all the support I've had over my career. It's something I'll never forget." (
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for more details from Marleau's record-setting achievement). The No. 2 overall selection from the 1997 NHL Draft then reached another milestone in a 5-2 loss to the Golden Knights April 21, when he joined Doug Jarvis, Keith Yandle and Garry Unger as the fourth player in League history to skate in 900 straight games. Marleau, who has registered 4-5-9 thus far during his 23rd NHL season (47 GP), ranks 23rd in League history in career goals (566) and 50th in career points (1,197).