Photo: @WashCaps
Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner has now played in 423 consecutive games, passing Bob Carpenter for the franchise’s all-time record. Hockey is arguably the most brutal of the top four American sports. Playing just a single 82-season without missing a game is an accomplishment. Alzner’s managed to string four of those together, plus a full 48-game season after the 2012 lockout, and he’s well on his way to doing it again this season again (knock on wood).
Alzner is a reliable and smart player. He uses good skating skills and stick positioning to be successful. And, for five years and counting, he’s been willing to sacrifice his body when the moment calls for it.
The Capitals honored Alzner with a video on the jumbotron during the first period.
It’s a nice streak, but I want to establish perspective. The owner of the NHL’s longest consecutive game streak is Doug Jarvis, who played 964 games in a row. Most players don’t even play 1,000 games in their entire careers. Alzner’s streak, long may it last, does not yet rank in the NHL’s top 20.
Caps fans who also are Orioles fans know what I’m saying. Balitmore’s Cal Ripken played in 2,632 consecutive games, not missing a single one for over 16 seasons. Calling Alzner an Ironman is cute, but premature.
So in conclusion: I’m really, really happy for Karl Alzner. But please, let’s not go crazy.
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) January 28, 2016
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