On Monday night, Patrick Marleau lined up for the opening faceoff next to Max Pacioretty as the Sharks and Golden Knights got set to play. The two exchanged fist bumps — not a normal how-do-you-do to start a hockey game. That's because this night was different: Marleau was seconds away from history.
And then, the puck dropped. Marleau had officially become the NHL's all-time games played leader as he skated in game No. 1,768.
WIth that, the Sharks' second overall pick from the 1997 NHL Draft surpassed Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe. (Joe Thornton was the first selection that year and makes an, ahem, appearance in one of the tweets below). It was a mark many in the sports thought would never fall; after all, Howe recorded that final game at the age of 52.
MARLEAU 1,768: Ex-teammates reflect on beginning | Grammatically incorrect gloves
Marleau, at 41, now goes into the record books — and will surely add more games to that total this year (the Sharks have 11 more games). He's not done yet.
The hockey and sports worlds took to social media to congratulate Marleau on the historic moment.
Congrats Patrick! 👏
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 20, 2021
It's gonna take us a LONG time to catch up to you 🙃 https://t.co/812r4dAaGf
Write it in the record books:
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 20, 2021
Most games played in the NHL ✍️
Congratulations Patrick Marleau! pic.twitter.com/VFuhUHdpvX
23 Seasons
— NHL (@NHL) April 19, 2021
1,768 Games
Unlimited Memories
Tonight, Patrick Marleau makes NHL history.
(🎨 @aaronhdana) pic.twitter.com/fIuQuqa7C1
For love of the game pic.twitter.com/joB2u5zTl3
— Christina Marleau (@c_marleau) April 20, 2021
What a league! 🤣#HistoryMarleaud pic.twitter.com/ck0RLfQ9A7
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 20, 2021
Congratulations on a historic night Patty! 👏 pic.twitter.com/wwt8XIfI0x
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) April 20, 2021
Congrats #patrickmarleau on beating Mr Hockey Gordie Howe’s record of 1767 games played. @sanjosesharks . pic.twitter.com/waRigqPxVq
— Larry Robinson (@19LarryRobinson) April 20, 2021
With tonight’s game, Patrick Marleau has officially surpassed Gordie Howe on the @NHL’s all-time games played list.
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 20, 2021
Congrats on an incredible milestone, Patty! #HistoryMarleaud pic.twitter.com/yJpXwTaCjq
Congrats from around The Bay! 👏#BayAreaUnite pic.twitter.com/kfoajUuyrO
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 20, 2021