Doing anything 1500 times is hard to fathom- playing 1500 NHL hockey games is beyond my scope of comprehension. How crazy is 1500 games? Only 18 players have ever done it. That number will rise to 19 when San Jose Sharks' legend Joe Thornton steps onto the ice Thursday night versus the Dallas Stars.
Thornton, who happens to wear the number 19 on his sweater, is one of the games all-time greats. The 39-year-old has 1430 career points (16th all-time), is one goal shy of 400 and still plays the game with childlike enthusiasm. He makes those around him better and fans in both Boston and San Jose are blessed to have had him in their organizations.
Drafted way back in 1997, Thornton has been an NHL mainstay for more than two decade's. He's averaged almost 70 points a season for 21 seasons. He's a former Art Ross and Hart trophy winner. He's one of those rare players drafted first overall that's lived up to the expectations that come with that honor. And he can grow one heck of a beard.
It's pretty incredible that Jumbo made it this far. After having major knee surgery, on each knee, in back-to-back off seasons, who would have blamed him had he decided to hang up the skates? I don't think anybody out there would have.
Instead, he's back and producing in today's uptempo NHL on 40-year-old legs. In a league touting itself as faster and faster by the game, he still manages to amaze those who play against him. Maybe it's his resume? Maybe it's his aura? Or maybe he's just one of those once in a generation talents with a youtful exuberance that's on the verge of accomplishing another amazing milestone.
Whatever it is, enjoy watching Joe for the 1500th time. He's a special player deserving of all the praises heaped upon him and now he's joining a pretty elite group.
Gordie Howe 1,767 Mark Messier 1,756 Jaromir Jagr 1,733 Ron Francis 1,731 Mark Recchi 1,652 Chris Chelios 1,651 Dave Andreychuk 1,639 Scott Stevens 1,635 Larry Murphy 1,615 Ray Bourque 1,612 Patrick Marleau 1,590 Nicklas Lidstrom 1,564 Jarome Iginla 1,554 Alex Delvecchio 1,550 Johnny Bucyk 1,540 Shane Doan 1,540 Brendan Shanahan 1,524 Steve Yzerman 1,514 Joe Thornton 1,500!!!!! Mike Modano 1,499
Good luck tonight Joe. Enjoy the moment. You earned it.
Thanks for reading, Steve