Zdeno Chara stands alone.
The New York Islanders blueliner set a record for most games played by an NHL defenseman when he skated in his 1,652nd career contest Thursday in San Jose.
Hall of Fame defender Chris Chelios had held the previous mark since 2010, when he retired after 26 seasons in the NHL. Chara is also tied now for having played the seventh-most games ever at any position in the league.
Out of deference to Chelios and what he accomplished, Chara has opted not to speak publicly on the impending milestone until it's officially passed.