At 41 years old, Brent Burns is doing something that feels impossible.<\/p>\n
In his 22nd NHL season, he\u2019s not just hanging on \u2014 he\u2019s still contributing, still logging big minutes, and still looking like a player ten years younger. <\/p>\n
And now, the milestones are stacking up. Burns is approaching some major career marks, including 1,600 games, a feat achieved by only 13 other players in NHL history, and 950 points, which would place him in the top 10 all-time for points by a defenseman<\/a>.<\/p>\n Among these milestones, there is one that he himself doesn\u2019t like to talk about. His iron man streak could soon reach the quadruple-digit plateau.<\/p>\n Burns’ Iron Man Streak Nears 1,000 Games<\/p>\n Burns is on the verge of something historic: 1,000 consecutive games played. He currently sits at 997, with his latest appearance coming in a 4\u20132 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. <\/p>\n In his 995th consecutive game, the Avs got revenge on the Penguins with a 6\u20132 win following a 7\u20132 loss the previous week, in which Evgeni Malkin returned from suspension<\/a> and put on a magic performance.<\/p>\n Before that matchup, Sidney Crosby was asked about Burns and what it\u2019s been like competing against him over the years. His answer had both respect and a bit of hesitation:<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s tough. I mean I remember when he was playing between forward and D. For a while he was switching back and forth, that tells you how good he is that he could do both. But you know, he’s just a big body, big presence in front of the net with a hard shot. He finds ways to get it through, but yeah, that’s quite the milestone. I don’t want to talk about it, but yeah, that’s great for him.”<\/p>\n Crosby praised Burns\u2019 versatility and physical tools, noting how rare it is for a player to successfully switch between forward and defense at the NHL level. But when it comes to the streak itself, he pulls back, not out of disrespect, but quite the opposite.<\/p>\n Brent Burns<\/p>\n 4th defenceman over 40 years of age with a multi-goal game, joining<\/p>\n Tim Horton \u2014 Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) January 10, 2026<\/a>Respect, Superstition, and Silence<\/p>\n Burns has made it clear he\u2019d rather not discuss the iron man streak while it\u2019s still alive. And Crosby, who has built a career on preparation and routine, seems to share that mindset. There\u2019s an unspoken understanding among players \u2014 sometimes the best way to respect a streak is not to acknowledge it too loudly.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not about ignoring greatness. It\u2019s about protecting it. That silence, in a way, says more than any quote could. <\/p>\n
Zdeno Chara
Nicklas Lidstrom#GoAvsGo<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/4z9xYjNHGS<\/a><\/p>\n