Patrick Marleau ties Gordie Howe’s NHL record for games played

Marleau is in his 23rd NHL season; he made his debut on Oct. 1, 1997, at 18 years and 16 days old. The 41-year-old Marleau has 566 goals, 1,196 points, three All-Star appearances and two Olympic gold medals for Canada in 2010 and 2014.

Howe also played in 419 games in the World Hockey Association that are not included in his career total.

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With Patrick Marleau set to break Gordie Howe’s all-time games played record, Rob Pizzo looks at 9 things you may not know about his memorable career. 2:08

The game, which the Wild won 5-2, was stopped during the first period to announce Marleau’s record, and he received an extended ovation from both teams and the Xcel Energy Center crowd.

“When you get recognized like that, not only your team standing up for you but the other building’s fans cheering for you, the other team doing it, it hits home,” Marleau said. “It’s definitely humbling.”

Following the game, the Minnesota players lined up to shake Marleau’s hand.