The Colorado Avalanche announced that Brent Burns will reach a remarkable milestone Saturday when he plays in his 1,000th consecutive regular-season game against Dallas.
The 41-year-old defenseman’s iron-man streak began Nov. 21, 2013, after he returned from a facial injury that cost him several teeth. Burns took a wayward stick to the face while playing for San Jose in October 2013.
Since that return, he’s appeared in every single game.
“He plays through them like it’s not a big deal,” said Avalanche coach Jared Bednar. “It’s an incredible accomplishment. It’s hard to believe.”
Burns joined Colorado on a one-year deal this season, chasing the only thing missing from his resume — a Stanley Cup title. The bearded blueliner has skated through countless bumps and bruises that come with delivering checks and deflecting slap shots.
Still Producing at 41
The 6-foot-5, 228-pound Burns turned 41 on March 9. He’s become another leader on the Avalanche while still contributing offensively on a high-scoring team that features Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Martin Necas.
Burns has 11 goals this season.
He joins Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom as the only defensemen in league history to notch double-digit goals at 40 or older. Burns is averaging nearly 19 minutes per game and has 83 blocked shots this season.
His specialty remains putting his frame to good use against opponents who venture into his territory. That’s what makes the streak so remarkable — all the punishment he dishes out and takes.
Burns is closing in on the all-time ironman streak held by forward Phil Kessel, who played in 1,064 consecutive regular-season games from Nov. 3, 2009, to April 13, 2023.
Mystery Backpack and Daily Routine
Burns arrives at the rink carrying his military-style backpack that’s stuffed with everything necessary to keep him on skates. There’s mystery surrounding the precise contents of the heavy pack.
Whatever it contains — rumors include recovery gear and his own coffee setup — there’s no denying it’s become a healing elixir.
“He comes to the rink with a great attitude,” explained Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog. “He wants to be here. He’s excited to come to work.”
Landeskog missed three full regular seasons after helping Colorado to the 2022 Stanley Cup title because of a lingering knee injury. He appreciates what Burns has accomplished.
The streak impresses goaltender Scott Wedgewood.
“In my position alone, you’ll do something one game and your hip locks up a little bit. It’s like, ‘Thank God, I’m not playing the next one. It feels like crap right now.’ That happens 15 times a year, just on me, let alone taking body checks and slap shots.”
Career Highlights and Current Chase
Burns made his NHL debut Oct. 8, 2003, with Minnesota after being selected in the first round by the Wild. He spent seven seasons with Minnesota, 11 in San Jose and three in Carolina before joining Colorado.
The 2016-17 Norris Trophy winner is in his 22nd NHL season. Saturday will mark his 1,572nd career contest.
His lone Stanley Cup final appearance came in 2016 with the Sharks, where they lost in six games to Pittsburgh. Burns has appeared in 135 career playoff contests.
In his 999th straight game Wednesday against Vancouver, he delivered a goal and an assist. That performance made him the fifth defenseman to notch a 30-point season while in their 40s.
“It’s just ridiculous,” said Makar before suffering an upper-body injury Monday against Calgary. “For him to be able to go out there every night and make an impact, and not just float around and do the minimum, is pretty spectacular, especially at his age.”
The Avalanche currently own the NHL’s top seed with eight games remaining. They hold a six-point lead over Dallas entering Saturday’s pivotal contest.
