Chara sets record for games played by defenseman

New York Islanders veteran Zdeno Chara broke the NHL record Thursday for games played by a defenseman when his side fell to the San Jose Sharks 4-3 in a shootout.

Chara also tied Mark Recchi for seventh on the games played list among all skaters. Patrick Marleau holds the all-time mark at 1,779.

The 44-year-old joined New York on a one-year contract in the offseason. The Islanders drafted Chara in 1996, and he played four seasons with the club before really making his mark on the NHL with the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins.

His 14-year run in Boston ended prior to the 2020-21 campaign when he joined the Washington Capitals in free agency.

Chara is one of the most accomplished blue-liners of his generation. He claimed the Norris Trophy in 2009 and is a five-time finalist for the award. He won a Stanley Cup in 2011 and has registered 674 career points.